Maikhuli Villagers Protest MoU Over Assam-Meghalaya Border, Demand Return of Fishery

At the heart of the protest lies the contentious inclusion of the village's long-maintained fishery within Assam’s territory under the MoU.

In a powerful display of unity, residents of Maikhuli village in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district including elders, women, youth, and local leaders gathered in large numbers today to protest against the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the governments of Meghalaya and Assam for inter-state border resolution.

At the heart of the protest lies the contentious inclusion of the village’s long-maintained fishery within Assam’s territory under the MoU. Villagers took to the streets carrying banners and placards, demanding that the Government of Meghalaya reclaim the pond, which they insist rightfully belongs to Maikhuli.

According to the villagers, the fishery has been a cornerstone of the local economy for over five decades. Maintained and preserved by the community, the pond has served as a vital source of income through fish farming. The revenue generated from it has helped sustain the local school and other essential community needs.

Protesters argue that the pond is well within Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district and that its forced inclusion under Assam’s jurisdiction through the MoU is unacceptable. Speaking at the rally, Maikhuli village headman Nicholas Marak and former headman Heniton Marak strongly opposed the MoU clause that transferred the pond to Assam. They underscored the historical and economic significance of the pond, stating it is not just a waterbody but a symbol of the village’s self-reliance and unity.

They further revealed that multiple memorandums have been submitted to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, urging the state government to revise the MoU and return the fishery to Maikhuli. However, no official response has been received so far.

The village leadership declared that all residents are unanimously opposed to the transfer and are prepared to take any necessary steps to reclaim the pond. “Under no circumstances will we allow the Fishery Pond to be handed over to Assam. This pond has been ours for more than 50 years—it is part of our identity, our survival, and our future,” they affirmed.

With emotions running high, the protest signals growing discontent in border villages over unresolved disputes and calls into question the consultative process behind the inter-state MoU. The Maikhuli villagers have made their stand clear—they will not give up without a fight.

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