Nongpoh, Jul 30: Thousands of residents of Hima Jirang erupted in protest after learning that the Nongwah Mawtamur Sohiong Lyngdohship, a sub-entity of Hima Sohiong, allegedly intends to claim ownership of land belonging to Hima Jirang in the Rani Jirang area.
In response to this alleged land encroachment, the Syiem of Jirang, along with thousands of his constituents, had planned to publicly march to the site where representatives of the Nongwah Mawtamur Sohiong Lyngdohship were preparing to inaugurate an office in Rani Jirang.
Amid growing tensions surrounding the planned establishment of the Sohiong office on disputed land, the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Ri-Bhoi invoked Section 173 of the BNS to prohibit any form of public gathering at the site. This preventive measure was enforced to avoid any potential clashes or violence. In line with this order, police and a district magsitrate have been deployed to the location to maintain peace and prevent the assembly of large crowds.
Speaking to the press, H Wahlang, the Syiem of Jirang, voiced serious concern over what he said was the sudden and forceful attempt by the Nongwah Mawtamur Sohiong Lyngdohship to assert ownership of the land. He strongly asserted that the area in question has been under the traditional jurisdiction and custodianship of Hima Jirang for hundreds of years.
