From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH, April 18: Following a complaint lodged by the Hima Sohiong with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding the alleged assault of Noreshor Timung and a woman by personnel of the Assam Forest Department on July 30, 2025, at Amreng village along the Ri Bhoi-Assam border, the Commission has directed the Ri-Bhoi district authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry and submit a report within four weeks.
In compliance with the NHRC directive, the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Patharkhmah Sub-Division, Chaitanya Awasthi, on Friday summoned the leaders of Hima Sohiong. The delegation was led by Rastingwel Thabah, Chairman, and PL Thabah, Lyngdoh, alongside other traditional functionaries of the Hima.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Thabah expressed serious concern over the alleged harassment of residents in the border areas by Assam authorities. He stated that the incident involving the two residents of Amreng falls under Shnat Hima Nongwah Mawtamur, which is under the jurisdiction of the Hima Sohiong.
He alleged that the treatment meted out by Assam officials was a violation of basic human rights, claiming the victims were treated like animals and in an inhumane manner. He added that this was the first time Hima Sohiong had approached the NHRC in New Delhi, which has since taken cognisance of the matter and registered a case against the Assam Forest Department.
Thabah mentioned that the Hima has urged the SDO to collect all necessary evidence, including video footage, photographs, medical prescriptions, and other relevant documents, to strengthen the case. The SDO, he noted, has assured that due steps will be taken to ensure the safety and security of residents in the border areas.
He remarked that the move to approach the NHRC should serve as an example for other Himas or Raids, observing that filing complaints with state authorities alone often yields little outcome, citing the Mukroh incident as a case in point. He asserted that Sohiong Hima would not cede “even an inch” of its land to Assam, claiming possession of adequate documents to substantiate its territorial rights.
Echoing similar concerns, PL Thabah said the Hima was deeply disturbed by the alleged mistreatment of its people by outsiders, which compelled it to seek justice through the NHRC. He said the SDO has also assured that a field inspection at Amreng village will be conducted in the coming days in the presence of Hima leaders.
