NONGSTOIN: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia & Garo People (FKJGP), West Khasi Hills District Unit, has demanded that the Assam government release the border residents in the district who were arrested on ‘false’ charges.
The organisation said it was disappointed that the state government was trying to hide the incident that took place two weeks ago. “This negligence proves that the State Government does not care about people residing at the border area,” it said.
Five residents of a border village were arrested by the Assam police. The arrested persons are Habarth Marak (40) of Mallang Khasi, Aldrin Marak (44) of Mallang Huhuapara, Willso Marak (53) and Aila Sangma (40) of Huhuapara, and Dima Marak (18) who the organisation claimed to be mentally disabled.
The FKJGP during their visit to Malangkona (disputed border area) found that the villagers are living in fear of Assam police. The delegation was led by its president, Palwanbor Syiem. Carry Oscar Kharmutee, general secretary FKJGP Mawshynrut Circle, Judish Reagan Dkhar, president FKJGP Mallangkona Border Area and other members went to the village.
The organisation informed that about 573 villagers of Huhuapara lost their houses and 152 are taking refuge in the Christ King hostel for two weeks.
) The FKJGP accused the state government of not taking action. However, the EAC of West Khasi Hills, S Warjri along with other officials inspected the disputed area on September 21.
Palwanbor informed that no help, like medical aid, was provided to the locals by the state government. “The temporary refugee camp was too congested and there were only 25 police personnel in the area,” he said.
“We demand the state government to immediately send help to the refugee camp at Mallangkona with medical team and to increase the number of police personnel,” the organisation said. The FKJGP also demanded that the government upgrade the police camp at Mallangkona to a police outpost.
