on Friday (ST)
NONGPOH: Slamming the alleged indifferent attitude of the State Government in addressing the various problems faced by the people of Block-II areas in Ri Bhoi, the KSU “North Khasi Hills District” unit on Friday gave a two-week deadline to the authorities to resolve the issues failing which they threatened to resort to agitation.
Around 200 people comprising of KSU members and residents of Block II areas were heading towards the Deputy Commissioners’ office here on Friday to hold a sit-in demonstration despite the implementation of Section 144 CrPC. Their march, however, was stopped mid-way by magistrates’ D Hynniewta and J Shylla.
After much persuasion, the magistrates allowed the protestors to carry out the sit-in- demonstration besides NH 40 near DC’s office.
According to the protestors, among others they were concerned about the alleged demand made by Assam forest personnel to the people of Umsder village in Block II asking them to part with 50 per cent of the broomsticks produced in the area.
An hour later, Ri Bhoi DC Pooja Pandey invited an 11-member delegation including KSU NKH president, Ferdynald Kharkamni and others for talks at her office chamber in the presence of Superintendent of Police, Ri Bhoi, CVS Reddy, Deputy Superintendent of Police, R. Pde and magistrate D Hynniewta.
Talking to The Shillong Times after the meeting, Kharkamni said that they had demanded action against Assam forest personnel and also called for strengthening of the Mawlasnai Police Outpost.
He added that if the government fails to take action on the matter within two weeks, the Union will be compelled to launch an agitation.
Meanwhile, post the meeting, Magistrate Hynniewta informed that the DC has assured that weekly visits to Block II will be conducted by magistrate and police particularly during market days in order to repose confidence of the people of the area.
“The district administration is waiting for a report from the DSP to take necessary action against the concerned Assam forest personnel,” he said.
“We are also waiting for the outcome of the DC-level meeting that is being held today,” he added.