SHILLONG: The Syiem of Raid Nongtung, Miwell Shadap said the residents feel secure to be part of the state due to development activities of Meghalaya.
A delegation of Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), North Khasi Hills Circle and Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Raid Nongtung met the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) CEM HS Shylla to air their grievances.
Speaking on development issues, Shadap said programmes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), construction of community halls and schools are carried out by the Meghalaya government and even the sanad (appointment letter) is from the Syiem Khyrim.
The residents get even EPICs from Meghalaya.
“But the state government remains mum when Assam government constructs road or plants trees,” he said.
He informed that 34 villages fall under Raid Nongtung and 18 villages are in the Meghalaya-Assam Border. He said that residents of Raid Nongtung have been facing frequent harassment and disturbances from Karbi Anglong District of Assam.
“The Assam police would pester us every now and then, be it when we cut down trees or even when we use the sand and stone for constructing houses,” he said.
To a query, he said Raid Nongtung falls under Khyrim Syiemship, Ri-Bhoi District, as per a notification on April 13, 1951.
He said, “The Assam government should not interfere in Raid Nongtung. We have approached the DC’s office and state government but it all fell on deaf ears.”
Shylla told the delegation to prepare relevant documents with regard to the land and that he will look into the matter.
Commenting on the death of Tyngshain Mukhim (37) following a scuffle at Umsohphoh village under Block-II in the Ri Bhoi border area in the hands of Romesh Thapa, Shadap said, “It is the high-handedness of the Nepalis who are close to the officials of Karbi Anglong District, Assam.”
KSU North Khasi Hills president Ferdinald Kharkamni urged the CEM to follow up on records and proper documents to restore the land to the state.
