By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 19: The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) and the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar over persistent border tensions at Lapangap, alleging that the state government has left the local administration and police “powerless.”
Following a visit to Lapangap to express solidarity with villagers, FKJGP vice president Kitboklang Nongphlang stated that residents, particularly farmers, have suffered for decades without a permanent solution. He argued that while Meghalaya Police and West Jaintia Hills district officials are on the ground, they lack the authority to take decisive action.
“We appreciate the efforts of Deputy Commissioner Abhinav Kumar Singh and SP Jagpal Singh Dhanoa to maintain peace, but they are helpless because they have not been empowered to act,” Nongphlang said. He added that police camps are situated too far from agricultural fields to effectively protect farmers during cultivation.
The FKJGP leader further criticised the NPP-led MDA government, claiming it functions like a “remote control” under the influence of the Assam government.
“Beyond the law of the land, there is the law of humanity. The Meghalaya government cannot remain submissive before Assam Police while its own people suffer,” he said.
Nongphlang specifically held the Deputy Chief Minister accountable, noting that Lapangap falls within Dhar’s constituency. “The people are still crying for justice and land rights in the Deputy CM’s own constituency,” he said, adding that repeated grievances have been ignored for years.
Referring to recent skirmishes, Nongphlang claimed villagers were attacked with sticks and catapults even while border discussions were ongoing. He alleged that external forces are attempting to provoke unrest in the area.
Warning of future escalations, the FKJGP leader said that while the visit was intended to provide moral support, pressure groups would be compelled to intensify democratic agitations if the government continues to ignore the villagers’ plight.
