Villagers of Mukroh in West Jaintia Hills have decided to boycott elections to the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council scheduled for February 21.
The decision was taken by the dorbar shnong of Mukroh Pyllun at a meeting held at Musher-Mukroh on January 9.
This decision was also made known through a letter to the Deputy Commissioner signed by waheh shnong Kitlang Maskut, chairman Chilangki Phawa, and secretary Precioustar Sten.
The village leaders of the disputed village situated along the Meghalaya-Assam border have stated that the decision is in protest against the inaction of the State government to the various forms of suppression experienced by the villagers at the hands of Assam.
The village leaders have accused Assam of illegal construction of a forest beat house within Mukroh and the forceful construction of a road from Khlieh Sanaro to Umlaphiah, Mukroh.
Additionally, they recalled the November 22, 2022 bloody clash that claimed five lives in Mukroh, but have yet to receive a fair judgment.
The leaders said the Meghalaya government continued to remain passive despite continued encroachment, leaving farmers and residents under constant threat from the Assam side.
The dorbar said that if the state government wishes them to reconsider the decision, it must engage in dialogue with the residents.
