Jowai, Jan 29: War Central MDC Jamshaphrang Pohtam has demanded the State government hold a public meeting before deciding to fence the international border in West Jaiñtia Hills district.
Border residents of eight villages— Pasadwar, Kamsing, Jaliakhola, Lumpyngngad, Sankhat, Hawai Bhoi, Hawai Sutnga, and Lum Sohrmen—have raised objections to the fencing work as a road has been allowed to run through their fields without any public approval.
According to locals, the Dolloi of Satpator Elaka claimed ownership of all the land and rice fields owned by the people and therefore he has given permission to the government through the DC’s office together with the NBCC to proceed with the construction of this road to pave way for the fencing work.
Pohtam stated that the land in question belongs to the people and that the voices of the inhabitants must be heard and that the government must ensure that their rights are respected during the planning and implementation of border fencing.
