Probe team visits Jaintia village after ostracism charge

JOWAI: The village authority of Nongbareh Rim, West Jaintia Hills has denied exploiting, depriving and ostracising any family in the village as reported in a section of the media even as a probe team arrived in the village on Tuesday to find out the truth.
In a written statement given to an inquiry team led by magistrate A. Kharpuri of Amlarem Sub-division, the local Dorbar Shnong denied ostracising any of the villagers.
The Sub-divisional Police Officer and the Block Development Officer, Amlarem C&RD Block are also a part of the inquiry team.
As many as 66 villagers in their complaint lodged with JHADC had said that they were denied benefits under MGNREGS and NFSA by the Dorbar since they pointed out certain anomalies.
However, sources said that the problem started a year ago when a group led by one Starlight Talang failed to get approval as a retailer for distribution of PDS items, and the village was divided into two groups. Following this, the matter was reported to the Sub-Divisional Officer, Amlarem Civil Sub-division and all beneficiaries were directed to collect their food grain directly from one MR Mukhim – a whole seller, Amlarem centre.
“The decision taken at that particular time was due to the village Dorbar’s failure to recommend any retailer from the village as the party led by Talang wanted that the allotment in his favour,” the sources further said.
The Magistrate and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer will submit their report to the Deputy Commissioner and the Superintendent of Police respectively.
The District Police has warned the village authority to refrain from resorting to any attempts to ostracise the villagers.
“We have taken a very serious view of the ostracism report and warned the village authority not to take law into their hands. If any such sign is indicated, we will immediately book them as per law,” the Amlarem Sub-Divisional Police Officer said.