Nongpoh, Sep 23: In a strong show of anger, thousands of residents from Killing and adjoining areas of Ri-Bhoi today held a public meeting and even burned an effigy in protest against alleged interference by Jitul Deka, from Assam, on land use in Meghalaya.
Deka had complained that activities in Meghalaya, such as hill cutting and forest encroachment, were having detrimental effects on neighbouring Guwahati, especially during the monsoon season. A case pertaining to this is in the Supreme Court, whose Central Empowered Committee (CEC) has urged for reforestation in Ri-Bhoi and a fine of Rs 150 crore for violations of environmental laws by the University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM).
The Meghalaya government is expected to make strong arguments against the CEC’s recommendations when the apex court next hears this case in October.
Today’s mass gathering, organised by the All Killing Dorbar Committee, was held at Madan Killing Jorbil and witnessed the participation of thousands of villagers. Also in attendance were prominent politicians from Ri-Bhoi, such as Jirang MLA and cabinet minister Sosthenes Sohtun, Mawhati MLA Charles Marngar, Umroi MLA Damanbait Lamare, Nongpoh MDC Rona Khymdeit, former MLA Ngaitlang Dhar, the Syiem of Raid Marwet Ken Syiem, representatives of Hima Mylliem, village leaders and pressure group representatives.
Protesters carried placards and banners denouncing Deka. They accused him of wrongfully blaming Meghalaya for causing floods in Guwahati.
