Shillong Nov 28: The chairman of the grand council of Chief of Meghalaya (GCCM) chairman John F Kharshiing submitted a memorandum to chief minister of Meghalaya Dr Mukul Sangma seeking his intervention for the early re-opening of the 38 border haats in the state.
Talking to reporters, Kharshiing informed that he requested the chief minister to take up with the central government on the need to negotiate negotiate with Bangladesh for the early re-opening of the 38 border haats in the state.
“Opening of Border haats along the Indo-bangla border will improve the economy living along the border areas” Kharshiing said adding that opening of the traditional border haats are equally important as opening of custom land station as it has a direct impact on the economic livelihood of the people living along the border.
Besides, he also mentioned that the Khasi-Jaintia and Garo people inhabiting the entire stretch of 443 km Indo Bangla border have been victims of partition, not only was the international border closed but they have been denied their traditional market route towards Sylhet and Chittagong.
Stating that there has been lack of infrastructure along the border areas, Kharshiing said there is an urgent need to initiate construction to strengthen border trades.
The 38 border haats includes 17 in East Khasi hills district, 11 in South West Khasi hills district, 4 in South Garo hills, 3 in West Garo hills and 3 in Jaintia hills district.(SP News)
