By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, June 2: The Hynniewtrep Border Disputed Redressal Forum (HBDRF) on Tuesday urged the state government to formally recognise Khasi-Pnar villages under Block-I along the Meghalaya-Assam border as part of Meghalaya, citing administrative hardships faced by residents.
A delegation of the forum met Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and submitted a memorandum seeking immediate intervention to enrol these villages under the state’s jurisdiction.
Speaking to reporters, HBDRF chairman Chandame Sungoh said that while the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) notified Elaka Labang-Nangphyllut in November 2023 and appointed a Dolloi, the state government is yet to follow suit. He noted that without state recognition, the Council’s notification remains ineffective in providing residents with essential documents such as EPICs, birth certificates, and Scheduled Tribe certificates.
The forum pointed out a disparity in treatment between border areas, noting that 22 villages in Block-II were recognised by the state as early as 2004. This recognition allows Block-II residents to access government benefits, participate in elections, and receive services from various state departments—privileges currently denied to those in Block-I.
The HBDRF also requested that these villages be brought under the purview of state departments including Health, Police, and Community & Rural Development.
Forum adviser Thomas Passah added that the delegation highlighted the difficulties faced by farmers in accessing agricultural land in the Labang-Nongphyllut area. He stated that while the JHADC has begun issuing land holding certificates, formal state recognition is crucial for residents to fully benefit from welfare schemes and traditional land rights.
The Chief Minister reportedly assured the delegation that the government would examine the issues and discuss the matter further in a separate meeting.
