From Our Correspondent
JOWAI: Briwar, one of the richest coal belt areas of East Jaintia Hills under Elaka Nongkhlieh nearly turned into a battle field when more than 800 people from Nongkhlieh Elaka and Sutnga Elaka visited the area on Friday after receiving complaints from mine owners about presence of surrendered HNLC cadres in the area. The mob attacked two persons, Nidimon Chullet and Thombor Chadap of Shangpung village who are associated with SHNLC member who runs an illegal market in the mining area.
A team of Khliehriat police led by Additional SP, Chemphang Syrti and Deputy SP WS Muksor intervened to rescue the duo from the angry mob.
The SHNLC cadres have taken possession of 34 coal mines in the name of the ‘Ka Jingiaseng Samla Presbyterian District Pala’ in Briwar,” sources alleged.
“They also own a market in the area where illegal dice gambling and video parlour were being operated,” sources added.
Both Chullet and Chadap were detained by Khliehriat Police for interrogation in connection with several cases including a murder in the area.
People from Nongkhlieh Elaka led by the acting Dolloi, N Dkhar accompanied by people from Elaka Sutnga visited Briwar in order to settle differences between local mine owners and the SHNLC members who took control of at least 34 coal mines.
The authority of Nongkhlieh Elaka had also asked members of the SHNLC including Julius Dorphang to be present during the inspection but none turned up.
“The SHNLC cadres visited many coal mines asking operators to shut down claiming that the coalmines belong to the ‘Ka Jingiaseng Samla Presbytery, District Pala,” sources said.
The mob issued a strong directive to close down the illegal market within 10 days failing which, the authority of Nongkhlieh Elaka would take a stern action against violators.