Raphael Warjri

The Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has officially declared a total boycott of the upcoming Assam Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for April 19, 2026. In a firm address delivered by HBDRF Chairman Chandame Sungoh, in the presence of Advisor Thomas Passah and other executive members, the Forum reaffirmed its commitment to a Non-Cooperation Movement within the disputed territories of Block 1 and Block 2. This decision marks a significant escalation in the community's efforts to protect their ancestral land and demand a permanent resolution to the long-standing border conflict.

A primary grievance highlighted by Chairman Sungoh is the Meghalaya Government’s persistent failure to formally recognize the traditional heads of Block 1 and Block 2. He emphasized that this lack of official recognition has created a severe administrative vacuum, effectively blocking the flow of development and essential services to these regions. Without the formal acknowledgment of traditional local authorities, residents find it nearly impossible to access state-sponsored welfare schemes or infrastructure projects. This state of institutional neglect has left the border communities feeling abandoned by the state they wish to remain a part of, further fueling the demand for redressal.

During his address, the Chairman issued a stern warning to political parties, including the INC, BJP, and NPP, stating that they should not attempt to exploit the border residents for electoral gains while ignoring the fundamental issues of land rights and lack of development. He expressed strong disapproval of individuals from mainland Meghalaya who enter these disputed blocks to campaign for Assam-based political interests. Such actions were labeled as a betrayal of the Hynniewtrep cause, with the Chairman urging residents to remain unified and resist any financial inducements or temporary benefits offered by political campaigners. This boycott follows the successful non-participation of the community in previous MDC and MP elections, serving as a continued protest against the status quo. 

Chairman of the HBDRF, Chandame Sungoh reinforced that the Non-Cooperation Movement remains the community's strongest leverage to pressure the government toward a just territorial resolution. The HBDRF maintains that until the traditional leadership is recognized and a clear path to development is established, the "voice of the people" will remain one of total resistance against participating in the electoral process of a state that does not represent their territorial identity.