‘Govt should ensure safety of Khasi-Pnars in Block-I’

SHILLONG, Aug 3: The Jaintia Students’ Union on Thursday shot off a petition to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma asking the government to initiate talks on the interstate border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam so as to find a lasting and peaceful resolution to the dispute.
Asking the Government to identify and apprehend members of a new insurgent group responsible for threatening Khasi-Pnar people residing in the border areas, the Union asked the government to ensure that the fundamental rights of the Khasi-Jaintia people are protected in the disputed Block-I areas.
The Union asked the government to create “safe zones” or “community centres” to house refugees or those feeling threatened, the Union said the government should regularly monitor the situation and upgrade the security measures in the border areas based on the evolving circumstances.
The Jaintia Students’ Movement has also sent written requests to the chief minister and the West Jaintia Hills deputy commissioner to ensure the safety of the Pnar people residing in Block-I.
The JSM recalled the events dating back to 1951 where areas under Block-I and Block-II were under the administrative control of the then Jowai civil subdivision but was forcefully annexed to the then United Mikir Hills District by the then Governor of Assam.
“The issue remained dormant until 1972 when Meghalaya acquired full Statehood,” the JSM said. The student’s body insisted that the state government should deploy additional security force in the area to thwart any attempts by “radical groups” from Assam to harm the Pnar people and disturb the peace in Block-I areas.
Earlier this week, residents of Labang-Nongphyllut and Pangam Raliang villages under Block-I area in Jaintia Hills have levelled serious complaints against the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council alleging that the council was employing insurgents to restrict the free movement of Khasi-Pnar people living in the border areas.
The locals also claimed that the illegal tax gate at Khanduli village, set up by the KAAC, was an attempt to snatch Meghalaya soil to territory.
The tax gate was also meant to prevent the Khasi-Pnars from selling their agricultural produce and other commodities, they claimed.