SHILLONG/NONGPOH: The Secretary of Hima Nongspung, Michael Warjri was released on bail secured by FKJGP on Wednesday from Guwahati central jail.
Home Minister James Sangma on Thursday confirmed that Warjri has been granted bail and the Meghalaya government is in communication with Assam government to amicably solve the matter.
Warjri, whose house was vandalised by a mob on May 7, was lodged in Lokhra jail in Assam. His house was attacked due to his opposition to a PMGSY road initiated by the Assam government in the area.
A case (191 (5) 2019) under sections 341/325/387 was registered against the 76-year-old Warjri at Palasbari police station in Kamrup district of Assam.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday at FKJGP’s office in the city, Warjri alleged that three villages under the jurisdiction of Hima Nongspung expressed desire to be with Assam.
He went on to state that besides the Rabha and other communities who attacked his home, some Khasis were also among the 200 people, who ransacked his home.
Warjri said that the attack was due to his opposition to the road project at Balakhwa, which he asserted, falls under Meghalaya.
Narrating the incident, he said it was on May 7 at around 1:45 pm, that around 200 people led by headman of Balakhowa, Ranibari which fall under the jurisdiction of Hima Nongspung, attacked his house.
“I was alone at home and I was protecting myself. I was told to surrender and I did so. Some of the people said I should not be assaulted since I have surrendered, but I was hit on the head, my hands and feet were also injured,” he said.
He alleged there was an attempt to throw him in a river (the bridge over the river was constructed by Assam government) but by then Assam police had arrived and took him away.
“Despite the attack, I will not bow down to pressure and will not leave the place. However, the state government should seriously strengthen the security in the village,” Warjri said.
He said there are 8 police personnel guarding the village and added that the state government should deploy 30-50 police personnel to guard the village.
Earlier, Eldie N Lyngdoh, vice president of FKJGP, Central Body slammed the state government for the delay in resolving the matter.
“The state government had failed to tackle the situation and we had also demanded that the MDA government must take initiative to transfer the case from Assam to Meghalaya at the earliest as the incident had occurred within the jurisdiction of Meghalaya.
Lyngdoh also condemned the Home Minister for quoting wrong IPC section regarding the case.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, chief organiser of FKJGP central body, Kitboklang Nongphlang said, “We secured the bail from Guwahati High Court. We have been attempting to secure his release for the last 2-3 days. Government has not been taking any initiative although it talks big about holding talks with Assam.”
He said there has been pressure from the FKJGP to transfer the case to Meghalaya.
“Balakhowa is not a disputed area but the government is not taking the matter seriously,” he said.
When asked, he said Warjri was booked for assault and under Arms Act for the possession of a gun which is licensed.
Nongphlang said the developmental activities are mostly undertaken by the Assam government.
“The main reason for the dispute is that the state government does not take up any development activities in the border areas. But then the state government is not serious at all,” he remarked.
On the other hand, the case against Warjri will continue. Nongphlang said the organisation will repeat the appeal to the government to transfer the case to Meghalaya.
The Meghalaya DGP had earlier spoken to senior Assam police officials on the matter and wanted the release of Warjri at the earliest.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday remained non-committal on approaching either the Central government or the Supreme Court to solve the vexed boundary dispute with Assam.
On being asked if the state government would approach the Centre or the Supreme Court to solve the dispute, Sangma said that there have been several instances in the past when committees were formed and reports were put up but the matter remains unresolved.
“I don’t think it is appropriate for me to make any further comments,” Sangma said.
Downplaying former chief minister Mukul Sangma’s asserting that the government needs to wake up on the issue, Conrad said the government has been actively pursuing the issue whereas the Opposition was giving it a political colour.
“The Meghalaya government is in constant touch with the neighbouring state at different levels be it the SP, DC or the Chief Secretary level”, he added.
Informing that he had held discussions with the Assam chief minister on the situation, Sangma said his counterpart was also concerned and both of them have agreed that these types of incidents should not occur in future.
He also informed that a joint meeting will be convened soon, dates for which would be announced after the declarations of the Lok Sabha results.
Asked to react on the accusation that the government was slow in responding to the issue, Conrad said it was a general comment and if any Opposition MLA raises a specific issue, the government would be happy to work on it.
