The Achik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) has condemned the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council for bringing two Garo villages under its jurisdiction calling it an illegal and unacceptable act.
The organisation said they were informed about this by residents and laskers of the two villages, Nongkongkil and Moronga villages in the Mangsang area of East Garo Hills district during their visit on April 17.
“These villages are illegally claimed as part of Khasi Hills by the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC)” ASPF said, adding that theses villagers, including Mogru are under the jurisdiction of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC).
Stating that residents of these villages are predominantly Garos the ASPF said the claim by the KHADC is condemnable and unacceptable. “Historically, these villages have been integral to Garo Hills, substantiated by valid documentation and established boundaries. The residents have exercised their voting rights within the GHADC since its inception without any disturbances,” the organisation said.
“We will protect our land at all costs. Garo Hills has well-defined boundaries, so there is no need to create unnecessary drama and chaos, which could incite tension and hatred between the two communities that have coexisted peacefully and harmoniously since the formation of the State,” the ASPF in a message to the KHADC asserted.
It also urged Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to address the matter with urgency in order to avert any incidents that might lead to unrest and misunderstandings between the two communities, and the GHADC Chief Executive Member to take immediate action and to initiate a comprehensive digital mapping of GHADC boundaries to facilitate the identification of any encroachments within GHADC territory, particularly near the borders with KHADC and Assam.
