Villagers destroy houses, crops over dispute between Himas

NONGPOH: Recalling a bone of contention, villagers from Umsarang village burnt several houses in Pynthor Sohma village in Ri Bhoi during a stand-off between two Himas — Hima Khyriem and Hima Mylliem. The villagers also destroyed crops belonging to farmers from Pynthor Sohma, according to the Headman of Pynthor Sohma village, Rodrick Syiemiong.
The reason behind the dispute between the two Himas is the demand of the leaders and villagers of Umsarang to merge Pynthor Sohma village, which falls under Hima Khyriem Syiemship, with Hima Mylliem.
Albeit a matter as delicate as this needed the attention of the traditional heads, but due to lack of understanding, the villagers of Umsarang village took the law in their own hands and set ablaze several houses including standing crops — which was uncalled for.
The Hima Khyriem had clarified the dispute citing an order by the then Deputy Commissioner of Khasi and Jaintia Hills, LO Clarke, dated March 9, 1911, which clearly mentions the boundary of Hima Mylliem and Hima Khyriem, and that Pynthor Sohma falls under its jurisdiction.
On the dispute, the two Himas, under the Boundary Committee, had held a meeting on March 24 this year to discuss the issue.
Subsequently, an order was issued by the Committee, asking the villagers of Pynthor Sohma and Umsarang to refrain from building new houses and allotting lands to villagers without the knowledge of the Committee and also avoid opposing any developmental work in the villages.
Speaking to media persons, the headman of Pynthor Sohma, Rodrick, informed that the villagers of Pynthor Sohma are now living in fear due to the alleged threat and trouble-mongers from Umsarang village, who are not sparing even the children.
The headman informed that an FIR has been filed with Khapmara PIC, while urging the police to arrest the culprits, hailing from Umsarang village, involved in burning houses and destroying crops, at the earliest.
He further urged the traditional bodies of Hima Khyriem and Hima Mylliem to work together and settle the dispute so that peace prevails in the area.
Meanwhile, leaders of the Hynniewtrep People’s Federation, led by the publicity secretary of the central body, Kronding Nongbsap, and Ri Bhoi president Apbor Nongrum, visited the village to get first-hand information on the matter.
The leaders condemned the miscreants from Umsarang involved in vandalisation and urged the Ri Bhoi Police to take immediate actions in arresting the culprits.
The leaders of the organisation said that they will meet the traditional heads of the two Himas to discuss the issue.
The organisation will also meet the Superintendent of Police of Ri Bhoi.