From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: A fortnight after the arrest of two Khasi labourers – Skendro L Mawnai (68) and Twendro L Mawnai (70) of Mawnai, Nongdron Village in West Khasi Hills District – on June 15, the duo continues to be detained at Guwahati Central jail in Assam.
Varying stories leading to their arrests have come to light. Khasi by- standers alleged they were arrested as they were unable to answer to the queries of the Assam Police personnel.
Another version had it that the Assam police arrested them after they were instigated by the Nepali residents of the area. The Assam Police led by the Circle Inspector alleged violation of the Assam Forest Act and destruction of forest land. The duo was initially taken to Boko Police Station from where they were transferred to Guwahati Central Jail.
Nongdron comes under the disputed area (Langpih). High handedness by the Assam police at Langpih and its adjoining areas have always been a menace for the local residents on the Meghalaya side. However, the fact leading to the arrest and detention of these two senior citizens of the state is still shrouded in mystery.
MLA and MDC KP Pangniang, while speaking to The Shillong Times, said efforts were on to get them released on bail this coming week. Pangniang informed that the two accused were farming on their brother’s land. They were growing betel nut, betel leaves, bananas etc., which were the main horticultural products of the area so there was no question of them farming on Forest land as alleged by Assam Police.