Residents worry as Ri Bhoi village changes hands

SHILLONG: The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Ki khun ki hajar ka Hima Sohiong has asserted that the surreptitious handing over of Nongwah Mawtamur (a village in Ri-Bhoi) by Hima Sohiong to Hima Jirang will give Assam an opportunity to encroach the area of the village.
The JAC members also said that some of the areas falling under Hima Sohiong have already been encroached by Assam owing to misadministration of Lyngdoh of Hima Sohiong, Bashemphang Lyngdoh.
Speaking to reporters after meeting the Chef Executive Member (CEM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC), Teinwell Dkhar, on Monday, chairman of JAC Passbhalang Kharrngi said Nongwah Mawtamur has been encroached upon by Assam.
According to Kharrngi, Nongwah Mawtamur is within the jurisdiction of Hima Sohiong and claimed that the Lyngdoh of Hima Sohiong without informing the residents handed over Nongwah Mawtamur to Hima Jirang. “The CEM also observed that the matter is a serious one which cannot be resolved immediately and will discuss the matter in the Executive Committee meeting if a show-cause notice can be issued or his Lyngdoh-ship cancelled,” he said.
Stating that the EC was oblivious to the secret deal, Kharrngi demanded removal of the Lyngdoh and election of a full-fledged Lyngdoh.