From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH: Peeved with the constant meddling by the Assam Government and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous District Council (KAADC) in Block-II areas of Meghalaya, the KSU North Khasi Hills and the Civil Society Women’s Organization have placed a three-point demand before the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) for immediate intervention and action failing which they have threatened to take matters into their own hands.
A delegation comprising KSU and CSWO members met KHADC Chief Executive Member PN Syiem in the State capital and submitted a memorandum asking the Council to immediately stall the construction of the Assam entrance gate and the SBI Building at Sabuda in Block-II area.
The delegation also demanded that the KHADC should take up with KAADC for prompt revoking of mohul taxes and entry taxes levied on Meghalaya citizens and removal of all Assam toll gates in Block-II area.
The memorandum further stated that the KAADC starting levying mohul taxes of Rs 5 per kilogram on brooms and other agricultural products from the people of Block-II since January this year. Due to the imposition of the tax, the people of Block-II have to pay a hefty amount of Rs 5000 or more each time during transportation of their produces.
During the course of the meeting, the KHADC chief assured the delegation that he would invite the Syiem of Raid Nongtung and the President of Synjuk Rangbah Shnong, Raid Nongtung, for a meeting on Tuesday to find out details of valid land documents possessed by them so that the Council can acquire them and prepare for a legal battle against the Assam government.
He also assured that the matter would be referred to the KHADC Standing Committee on Border Disputes.
Later, members of the delegation told The Shillong Times that they will wait till Monday and if there is no action from the KHADC or the district administration then they would resort to drastic actions.
The KSU and CSWO members also threatened to dismantle the entrance gate and the SBI building at Sabuda on their own if the Council or the district administration failed to do so.