By Our Reporter
Shillong: In a bizarre incident the former chief of Hima Mylliem, Laborius Syiem was alleged to have misled the residents of Hima Jirang by telling them that a treasure trove which was believed to be hidden in the Lum Murok or Lum Tepkilabama since the British times.
The residents of Jirang especially those from Nongthymmai, Nongsier bad Mynnar Jirang who live close to this hill have accused Laborius Syiem of interfering into the Hima’s matter.
They informed that he (Paiem Laborius Syiem) came to the Hima along with two people believed to be non-tribals and took advantage of the tussle between two groups in the Hima Jirang. Laborius Syiem stepped in to ostensibly settle their disputes but misled them into believing that a buried treasure in Lum Murok could bring them great fortune if they all dug it. .
Th people of this area believe there is a treasure hidden in the Lum Murok by the British during the days of the Raj. But since that area falls under the Raid and under the jurisdiction of the Jirang Syiemship, the area was left unclaimed by anyone.
The people living in an around the area mentioned that in the past some people had come to this hill and tried to dig the treasure. It was not long before vested interests began to claim ownership of this particular area.
“It was only after these misunderstandings that matters reached the ears of the then Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Laborius Syiem who stepped in to interfere into the affairs of Hima Jirang, ” said a local resident.
Syiem derived the locus-standi to step into an issue that is beyond his jurisdiction because he is closely connected to the Syiem of Jirang, HM Wahlang and his ability to resolve the on-going conflict between different parties in the Hima prior to Wahlang taking over as Syiem.
When asked how Laborius Syiem managed to settle the disputes, the secretary of the Durbar Syiem of Jirang, Sranly Wahlang said Laborius came with two other companions and told the Durbar about the presence of the hidden treasure in Lum Murok which he said is to the tune of Rs 400 crore. He said that if the people could work in tandem they could retrieve the treasure and use it to their advantage.Some senior members of this Hima mentioned that Laborius brought some people working in a company to conduct a survey of the hillock.
“After the comments of Laborius, the Syiem of Jirang directed the people of this area on Saturday to dig up the hill and finish up work at Lum Murok”, said another local.
When contacted, Laborius Syiem told The Shillong Times that he only responded to the continued request of people of that area to resolve the on-going problems in Hima Jirang and he only responded to their requests.
“After I visited that hillock, I saw that some areas had been dug up.
When I asked who had done the digging, people claimed that some people had come at night to dig up the whole place up”, said Syiem, adding that in order to settle the situation he suggested that people should dig up the whole hill so that if the treasure lies buried inside that hillock as is believed by people then they could share it among themselves. But even if no treasure is found they could use up the land for some other work. He however denied allegations of bringing two non-tribals with him when he visited Hima Jirang. “They were Khasis but people have mistaken them for non-tribals”, said Syiem.
Meanwhile, KHADC Executive Member in charge of Elaka, L Blah has demanded an immediate halt to the on-going work at Jirang following allegation from some locals that people belonging to some companies had gone to Jirang for prospecting. Blah warned the Syiem of Jirang not to by-pass the rules laid down by the KHADC and the Syiem. Members of Hima Jirang and Laborius Syiem along with two of his companions have been asked to appear before the Council on Monday.
Interestingly Laborius Syiem said that he had no idea of the EM’s summons to appear before him on Monday. “They never sent me any letter”, asserted Syiem.
When contacted, EM of Elaka, L Blah said the meeting was supposed to be held on Monday but had to be postponed due to Parliamentary Party Meeting which was held on Monday following the sudden resignation of KHADC CEM, PN Syiem. “The Council will have to set another date to discuss about the whole matter”, informed Blah.