The Hynñiewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum has reported threats and intimidation to people residing along the inter-state border with Assam in Block 1.
According to a complaint filed with the West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, the forum named two Karbi individuals for threatening two Pnar villagers at a weekly market in Myn-i (Am-ih).
Chairman of the forum Chandame Sungoh stated that on June 6, a group of Karbi individuals, led by Augustine Hanse from Rongpongbong village and members of the Karbi Students Association (KSA), intimidated the villagers from Block 1 for attending a rally organised by the forum in Jowai on May 3.
Hanse allegedly threatened to drag them to the Hamren Police Station, accusing them of being conveners of the meeting, Sungoh said.
He stated that Hanse and others directed the two villagers not to participate in any meetings or public gatherings in Meghalaya and were ordered to stop expressing their desire to remain within Meghalaya, particularly during the border settlement negotiations. Instead, they were instructed to indicate their support to be with Karbi Anglong, Assam.
Sungoh quoted Hanse saying, “You all Khasi Pnar living in Karbi Anglong of Block 1 must live within our control, and if you do not agree, then you may leave from here.” Sungoh reported that Hanse also made threatening remarks about him, saying, “If we cannot find him, we will search for his family members who are here.”
Sungoh urged the authorities to take up the matter with their Assam counterparts to prevent harm or harassment to the Khasi Pnar people in Block 1.
