By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 24: Chairman of the Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBARF), Chandame Sungoh, has alleged that members of the Khasi-Pnar community are being used during elections in Assam to campaign for political parties, including Congress, the BJP, and the National People’s Party.
He said this practice is dangerous in the context of the ongoing border dispute.
Sungoh stated that certain parties in Assam engage individuals from the Khasi-Pnar community to campaign in disputed areas, and that these individuals, in turn, influence or mislead locals into casting their votes in Assam. He maintained that such actions undermine collective public decisions taken by the community regarding the border issue.
Referring to earlier resolutions, he said that a meeting held in Mukroh on April 16, 2021, had resolved to initiate a Non-Cooperation Movement with Karbi Anglong in Assam. This position was reaffirmed on May 3, 2025, and further strengthened at a meeting in Barato on February 15, 2026, where a decision was taken to boycott the Assam MLA election scheduled for April 9.
Sungoh added that a subsequent meeting of Elaka Labang Nongphyllut Block I on March 5 also reiterated the boycott call.
He noted that the community had already boycotted two previous elections — the Member of Autonomous Council election and the MP election — and has now extended the boycott to the upcoming MLA election.
Sungoh urged Khasi-Pnar residents, particularly those in Block I, to adhere to the collective decision, stressing that the area remains part of the border dispute.
He alleged that, despite the community’s stand, certain individuals from within are enabling Assam to assert influence in the region. He claimed that residents are often misled by promises of development or pressured by elements from Karbi areas to participate in Assam’s electoral process. According to him, such efforts are aimed at strengthening Assam’s claim over disputed territories, particularly Block I and Block II.
He further claimed that attempts are being made to lure residents with development schemes, particularly during election periods, and alleged that similar strategies have been used in the past. He also referred to recent visits by the Chief Executive Member of Karbi Anglong to Lamara village on February 18 for a mass joining programme and to Uriat village on March 8, describing these as new developments aimed at influencing residents.
Reiterating the forum’s position, Sungoh called on Khasi-Pnar residents not to participate in the elections, asserting that, despite their electoral participation over the years, the border issue remains unresolved.
He also raised concerns over what he described as administrative neglect by the Meghalaya government. Sungoh pointed out that although the JHADC has issued Sanad (appointment certificates) to Acting Dolois and Waheh Shnongs, and revived Elaka Labang Nongphyllut with recognition of 22 villages, the state government has yet to formally recognise these villages.
According to him, the lack of recognition has prevented residents from accessing essential documents such as EPIC cards, Aadhaar, birth certificates and ST certificates, thereby creating confusion and administrative difficulties. He said that representations have been submitted to the government, urging immediate recognition of the villages and the issuance of Village Codes, but no response has been received so far.
Sungoh maintained that these gaps are being exploited by Assam to influence residents. He added that, despite submitting letters and meeting the Chief Minister, the forum has not received any response, prompting HBARF to consider launching an agitation. He said the forum would announce details of the proposed protest in due course.
He further noted that fear and intimidation in certain villages, particularly those located near Karbi areas, have discouraged some residents from applying for Waheh Shnong Sanad from the JHADC, thereby complicating efforts to strengthen local governance structures.
