Stop encroachment

syiemSHILLONG, APR 5: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) finally decided to shoot a letter to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council (KAADC) demanding that the latter must immediately stop the “illegal construction” of entrance gate and an SBI building at Sabuda and its neighbouring villages in Ri Bhoi district on ground that the jurisdiction falls under Meghalaya as per the notification issued by Assam Governor in 1951.

The decision to write to KAADC protesting against the encroachment into Meghalaya was taken after the meeting was held between the KHADC, Syiem of Raid Nongtung and the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnongs president under Raid Nongtung based on the complaint filed by the KSU and CSWO on the illegal encroachment and construction undertaken by the Assam government within Meghalaya territory.

KHADC chief executive member Pynshngainlang N Syiem told reporters, “We will shoot a letter of protest to the CEM of KAADC asking him to ensure that all these activities should immediately be stopped considering that the areas falls under the jurisdiction of the KHADC.”

Assam has allegedly been constructing an entrance gate and an SBI building at Sabuda village besides destroying a road from Jatalong to Umjaknieh constructed under MNREGA and illegal collection in Nongtung area of Ri Bhoi district.

Terming the action by the Assam counterpart as “illegal-encroachment”, Syiem said, “As per the notification issued by the Assam Governor in 1951 and North East Area Reorganization Act 1971, it is clear that over 14 areas including Sabuda which falls under Hima Khyrim stretching from Umiam – Umlet to Umkhen River are within the KHADC.”

Buttering his claim Syiem added, “It is also confirmed that these areas does not even fall under the disputed areas between Assam-Meghalaya.”

The fourteen areas including Madan Umwan, Umthlih, Khlieh Umwan, Sabuda, Jatalong, Umlaper, Ummat, Diengthlih, Umsder, Umru, Umjktait, Utpateng, Umii and Umsohlaper are within jurisdiction of KHADC and Meghalaya, Syiem asserted.

Hoping that the Karbi council will give due consideration to the protest, Syiem however warned that it is the KHADC duty to protest and protect the land and people based on authentic documents that are available. He said, “Everyone has to think logically as to how Assam can encroach when 80 per cent of these areas are dominated by the Khasis.”

Syiem, however, warned that if the Karbi council fails to respond to the protest letter the KHADC is prepared in taking other steps and course of action to fight for its right. – By Evanjopline Dkhar

 

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