From Our Correspondent
MAWKYRWAT, Aug 11: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), South West Khasi Hills district, has opposed the decision of the Dorbar Hima of Hima Maharam to give a large portion of agricultural land to the Border Security Force (BSF) for setting up a military camp near the Mula River under Ranikor Civil Sub-Division.
According to KSU SWKH president, Forwardman Nongrem, the Union met the Syiem (Chief) of Hima Maharam, Niandro Syiemiong, on Monday, demanding the withdrawal of the decision taken by the Dorbar Hima in June 2025 to provide land to the BSF at one location near the Mula River—a scenic area with high tourism potential, as it is surrounded by many waterfalls.
“The land of the Hima does not belong to any individual. The Syiem and the Dorbar Hima are merely the custodians and caretakers. The Union has taken a firm stance that it will not allow any decision, which is against the interest of the people of Hima Maharam,” Nongrem said, warning that if the Syiem and the Dorbar Hima proceed with the decision, stern action will be taken.
Meanwhile, the KSU has also urged the Syiem and the Dorbar Hima that if they wish to give land to the military, they should allocate land belonging to the Hima that is close to the Indo-Bangladesh international border, and not agricultural land cultivated by local people, whose livelihoods depend on farming.