By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Aug 1: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong has stated that the recent inspection carried out by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) in an area of difference should not have been conducted without informing the state government.
Tynsong said the KHADC had carried out an inspection near Rani, which falls under an area of difference and has not yet been visited by the Regional Committee. According to him, the proposed meeting was meant to verify whether the area falls under Jirang or the Lyngdoh Syiemship of Sohiong.
“I personally feel the mistake made by the KHADC was that, since the boundary of the Hima is still unresolved, the District Council should not have gone ahead with the inspection. Instead, they should have convened a meeting in the office, gathered relevant documents, and then jointly conducted the inspection,” he said.
Sensing possible unrest, the state government immediately imposed Section 144 of the CrPC in the area.
Denying reports that talks between Assam and Meghalaya have stalled, Tynsong said discussions are ongoing at the level of Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police to maintain peace and tranquility.
He added that due to these frequent meetings, stray incidents have been contained and the situation has been brought under control.
It may be mentioned that a 28-year-old schoolteacher, Noreshor Timung, was allegedly apprehended and assaulted by officials of the Assam Forest Department in Umshalini village, Ri-Bhoi, on Wednesday. After detaining Timung, the Assam Forest personnel reportedly took him to Lokhra, where he was physically assaulted, resulting in serious injuries.
Family members and villagers demanded his immediate release, but Assam Forest officials and police personnel allegedly ignored their pleas and manhandled some villagers during the confrontation.
