Demolition of under construction building in Ri Bhoi
NONGPOH: Following prompt action on the part of the Ri Bhoi district administration, the construction materials of a building meant for eri worm rearing and black topping of Umjaknieh-Jatalong road that were seized by officials from Assam were returned on Sunday.
Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Pooja Pandey had taken up the issue of demolition of an under construction building by Assam police personnel at Madan Umwang, Raid Nongtung under Block-II in Ri Bhoi District and subsequent seizure of the construction materials of not only the structure but also that of a road project with her counterpart in Karbi Anglong district of Assam.
It may be mentioned that policemen from Karbi Anglong accompanied by a magistrate had on November 24 demolished an under construction building funded by the Sericulture department for rearing of eri worm and also seized the construction materials. Subsequently, on November 26, Assam officials also seized materials meant for blacktopping of the Umjaknieh-Jatalong road.
Addressing newsmen at her office here on Monday Pandey informed that she had also taken up the matter of summoning of Madan Umwang headman by the Assam Government through the SDO (Civil), Hamren Sub Division on November 11 with the Karbi Anglong DC the next day. However, for reasons best known to the officials of the neighbouring state, the Assam police still went ahead with the demolition of the building later.
It may be mentioned that on November 11 the Assam government, had through the SDO (Civil) of Hamren Sub Division, ordered the Rangbah Shnong of Madan Umwang village to stop the construction of the building sponsored by the Sericulture department of Meghalaya and had even directed the in charge of Ulunkunji Outpost of Assam police to summon the Rangbah Shnong, Blikson Mukhim, to furnish all details pertaining to the construction of the building.
She also informed that soon after the incident the district administration deputed a magistrate to inquire into the incident and following this intervention the seized materials were returned to the Rangbah Shnong of Madan Umwang and also to the contractor carrying out the blacktopping work.
When asked if any compensation will be paid for the damages, Pandey declined to comment stating that the same has to be taken up by the higher-ups in the State Government.
Meanwhile, a delegation of the KSU, North Khasi Hills district and members of Dorbar Shnong from Jatalong and Madan Umwang village met Pandey on Monday evening, seeking clarification on the incident.
They were informed of the action taken by the district administration in this regard.
The KSU, meanwhile, demanded compensation for damages done to the structure funded by the state government.
UDP slams Assam govt
UDP has condemned the Assam Police action at Madan Umwang stating that it showed the lack of respect of the Congress government in Assam for the Congress government in Meghalaya and that the state Government should look into the agreement arrived at by both the governments earlier.
The Party also condemned the killing of two civilians by the army at Kharkutta in North Garo Hills. Commenting that the Government must be answerable to the incidents, the party said that the developments have given a solid ground to not impose AFSPTA in Garo Hills.