JOWAI, Feb 9: Tension is running high in West Jaintia Hills, where the Karbi community is strongly opposing election campaigns led by Aiborlang Shadap and Binikas Laban in the Mowjem Block-1 area. The community claims that this area falls within the territorial boundaries of West Karbi Anglong, Assam.
The Karbi Students Association (KSA), through various media channels, including Khasi-Pnar outlets from Meghalaya, has warned against conducting election campaigns in the Labang Nangphyllut and Pangam Raliang areas, citing concerns over the election process. The community is demanding that the District Administration of West Karbi Anglong and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council halt these election activities.
The opposition is also fueled by the fact that the Khasi-Pnar community did not participate in the recent Assam state elections. Furthermore, they are against the participation of Khasi-Pnar from Block-1 in the upcoming district council elections in Meghalaya.
To address this issue, discussions are expected to take place with the Border Committee of West Karbi Anglong. The Hynniewtrep Border Disputed Redressal Forum (HBDRF) has also issued a statement and will meet the Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills to request direct dialogue with Assam to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council elections are around the corner and campaigning is under way in full swing.
The elections are scheduled for February 21.
