SHILLONG: The Syiem of Raid Nongtung, Miwell Shadap said that the residents felt safe and secure when they felt being part of the state with most of the development activities being done by the state of Meghalaya.
A delegation of Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), North Khasi Hills Circle and Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong ka Raid Nongtung met the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) CEM HS Shylla to air their grievances to him.
Speaking on development issues, Shadap said development programmes such as Smart Card for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), community hall and schools, even EPIC card are done by the Meghalaya government and even the sanad (appointment letter) is from the Syiem Khyrim etc.
“But they (the state government) remain mum when Assam government constructs road or plant trees,” he said.
He informed that 34 villages fall under Raid Nongtung and 18 villages are in the Meghalaya-Assam Border.
He said that residents of Raid Nongtung had been facing frequent harassment and disturbances from Karbi Anglong District of Assam.
“The Assam police would pester us every now and then, be it when we cut down trees or even when we use the sand and stone for constructing houses,” he said.
He said Raid Nongtung falls under Khyrim Syiemship, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya as per a notification dated April 13, 1951.
He said, “The Assam government should not interfere in Raid Nongtung. We have approached the DC office, state government but all our requests have apparently fallen on deaf ears.”
Shylla reportedly told the delegation to prepare relevant documents with regard to the land and pledged to look into the matter.
Commenting on the death of Tyngshain Mukhim (37) following a scuffle at Umsohphoh village under Block-II in the Ri Bhoi border area in the hands of Romesh Thapa, Shadap said, “It is the high-handedness of the Nepalis who “consult” with the officials of Karbi Anglong District, Assam.”
Meanwhile, president of Ferdinald Kharkamni urged the CEM to follow up on records and proper documents to restore the land to the state.