NONGSTOIN, June 7: The Headman of Gizang Salbari, which is a disputed border village along the interstate border with Assam, and five other village leaders have been arrested by Assam Police over charges of destroying property levelled against them by a school teacher from Umshiak, West Khasi Hills, Becline G Sangma, in an FIR.
The village leaders were arrested on Sunday.
The six arrested persons also include the village secretary, Pairosh Marak, besides the Headman, Kribin Sangma.
Following the arrest, the acting Headman of Gizang Salbari, Gibul Marak, in a statement issued here, revealed that Becline G Sangma had applied for some documents from Assam government without the knowledge of the village authorities, which, according to them, was against the decision of the village Dorbar.
Sangma was hence called for an explanation to the Dorbar and was fined Rs 2,000, the acting Headman said.
However, he added, the school teacher lodged an FIR with Hahim Police Outpost alleging that his betel nut trees along with his house were destroyed by the villagers of Gizang Salbari.
Narrating the events that reportedly unfolded on Sunday when they were arrested, the acting headman said that police from Hahim outpost, allegedly without conducting a spot inquiry, summoned the village leaders to the police outpost.
According to Gibul Marak, the police later sent them to Boko Police Station and they were arrested and booked under several section of IPC. On Monday, the six leaders were sent to Guwahati jail, he claimed.
HYC moves DC
Meanwhile, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) West Khasi Hills District led by its president Lumlang Kharsyiemlieh, on Tuesday, met Deputy Commissioner of West Khasi Hills seeking immediate action in the matter.
The HYC has demanded of the state government to hold talks with its counterpart in Assam for the release of the village leaders.