The Dorbar Shnong of Erpakon village in Ri-Bhoi turned down the invitation for a meeting with the Deputy Commissioner to resolve tensions and a controversial village decision to bar outsiders from working there.
The decision followed the murder of a villager, Kyrmen Lyngdoh Nonglait, with the prime suspect being a non-tribal in the employ of RN Sharma Hotel, owned by another non-tribal. After the murder, the village decided to bar all non-tribals from working there, including in the hotel.
The DC had invited representatives from the hotel, building owners and the Dorbar Shnong to discuss the situation arising from the death of Nonglait, who was allegedly murdered by a worker from the hotel. Despite the efforts to foster dialogue, the Dorbar Shnong chose to boycott the meeting, standing firm on its decision to evict all non-locals and prohibit them from working or conducting business within Erpakon.
The Dorbar Shnong held a meeting this morning to deliberate on the invitation from the DC’s office. During the meeting it was unanimously decided not to attend.
Village secretary Lambor Kharshilot stated that the decision to evict non-locals is comprehensive, including those working as daily laborers or operating businesses, such as RN Sharma Hotel. He emphasised that this policy applies uniformly to all non-local individuals.
