Khaduli village along the Meghalaya-Assam border in West Jaiñtia Hills district continues to remain tensed as one hut in the area was burnt down by unknown miscreants today.
Villagers said that the incident happened at around 3 pm. The hut belonged to one Bikal Surong.
Yesterday a clash broke out between the Khasi-Pnar and Karbi people that left two people injured. Stone pelting and fist fight was also reported and two huts were also burnt down. This was after a farmer and son were reportedly chased by a group of people.
This came after the Dorbar Shnong in Khanduli decided to restrict the Karbi community to pass through the village after a group of persons from Karbi Anglong reportedly threatened the villagers from going to their paddy fields.
Upset over what had happened, the dorbar shnong in Khanduli convened a public meeting today which was attended by the dorbar shnong of Lapangap, Saitsama, Namdong, Umthlu, Umshangiar and others besides members of the pressure groups.
Waheh shnong of Khanduli, Yoshida Nongspung said that the meeting has decided not to do business with the Karbi community. “If the Karbi wants to settle the issue and make peace we are ready for it and we have also urged the Khasi-Pnar people to stand united,” he told reporters.
President of the Khasi Student Union (KSU) West Jaiñtia Hills Unit, Damian War said that the union supports the decision of the dorbar and urged the people not to enter the Karbi Anglong jurisdiction until a settlement is reached.
Meanwhile, West Jaiñtia Hills Deputy Commissioner Batlang S Sohliya said police and magistrates have been stationed in the area to ensure not other untoward incidents take place.