JOWAI, Jan 12: A little over a month ahead of the district council polls, Mukroh village has declared its boycott of the JHADC elections, scheduled for February 21, as a mark of protest against the hardships they have endured due to the alleged inaction of the Meghalaya government in addressing their grievances, particularly the issues surrounding the interstate border with Assam.
The Mukroh Village Council of West Jaintia Hills issued a resolution on January 10, through a memorandum signed by village Headman Kitlang Maskut, chairman Chilangki Phawa, and secretary Precioustar Sten. The memorandum, submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of West Jaintia Hills, declared that the entire village has decided to boycott the upcoming MDC election for the JHADC.
This decision was made unanimously during a public meeting held on January 9, at the Musher Ground in Mukroh village.
The primary reasons behind this decision include repeated and unresolved issues caused by the actions of the Assam KAAC (Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council). These include the illegal construction of an Assam Forest Beat House within the village’s boundaries and the forced construction of roads, such as the one from Khlieh Sanaro, Mukroh, to Umlaphiah, Mukroh.
The village also recalled the tragic incident of November 22, 2022, when five villagers were killed in a firing by Assam forces. Despite the passage of time, justice has not been served, further deepening the villagers’ discontent.
In November 2024, the Assam KAAC forcibly constructed another road through village land in Salang, Mukroh. The Meghalaya government failed to intervene in this matter as well, aggravating the villagers’ frustration.
Currently, the villagers live in a state of mental distress due to these ongoing issues. Despite repeated appeals to the Meghalaya government, the lack of action has led the Mukroh Village Council to decide on an election boycott as a form of protest.
The village council has made it clear that if the government wishes to resolve the matter and end the boycott, it must engage directly with the village residents in a Dorbar Pyllun (Village Council) meeting, rather than communicating solely through village leaders.
