By Our Reporter
Shillong: A sense of disparity and insecurity has once again crept among the local residents of the ‘disputed’ Langpih territory four days after the Assam government voiced its oppositions against ‘illegal construction’ by Khasi residents at the disputed area.
“Obstruction by the Assam government from time to time against developmental programmes and construction of private and public houses have deprived the people of their Fundamental Rights,” Sirdar of Hima Raid Mynsaw Sirdarship, Hindro Samakha, said.
On Sunday, a team of Assam officials led by SK Roy, Deputy Commissioner of Kamrup and Superintendent of Police PS Mahanta, had visited Langpih in the presence of R Marthandan, SP of West Khasi Hills along with the EAC of West Khasi Hills to inspect some ‘illegal construction’ by Khasi residents.
In the course of the inspection, construction of the community hall of Hima Raid Mynsaw Sirdarship with it’s headquarter at Langpih was also forcefully stopped by the Assam Government.
Taking strong cognizance of the high handedness of the Assam Government, members of the Hima Raid Mynsaw Sirdarship accompanied by Nongstoin MLA Hoping Stone Lyngdoh on Wednesday met Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma in the city demanding immediate intervention into the matter.
Talking to reporters here on Wednesday, the Sirdar of Raid Mynsaw said that during their meeting with the Chief Minister, they have made it clear that they will not stop construction of the new community hall at Langpih until and unless the Assam police vacate the old community hall constructed by the then local MLA of that area long time ago.
They however, stated that they have complied with one condition put forward by the Assam Government with pressures from magistrates of West Khasi Hills which is removing the signboard indicating the name of the district and the state where the community hall is situated.
It was learnt that the General Durbar of Raid Mynsaw Elaka which was held soon after the highhandedness of the Assam Government has unanimously resolved to proceed ahead with all developmental programmes in the area and also to proceed ahead with the construction of private houses, sheds for the purpose of the basic interest and other necessities of the people of the area.
Moreover, he also stated that the local residents are facing lots of problems and insecurities because of regular obstruction by the Assam Government from time to time.
“The Chief Minister has expressed concern over the issue and said that the matter will be taken up at the DC-level meeting to be held soon,” Samakha said.
The members of the Raid Mynsaw also stated that if the results of the meeting bear no fruits, then they will continue with the developmental programmes like construction of the Langpih village haat and others.
Meanwhile, the delegation also apprised the Chief Minister of the problem of influx which is on the rise in Langpih since 2010.
In 2010, following the gunning down of four Khasi villagers at Langpih, it was agreed upon that there will no new settlement in the disputed area. However, migration of non-tribals to the area has continued. The delegation informed that since 1987 onwards, there were around 300 non-tribals who had settled in this area.
“Taking note of this problem, the Chief Minister has stated that the matter would be looked into after the meeting scheduled on May 25,” Samakha said.