Members of the Jaiñtia Students’ Movement (JSM) today converged at Khanduli village along the Meghalaya–Assam border to raze the entry tax gate erected by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) there.
The JSM has been on the forefront asking the state government to remove the gate that was erected on April 15, 2023. The gate has been the cause of concern for villagers as it has brought in tension between the Pnar and Karbi communities along the inter-state border.
To make their demand heard, the organisation supported by the villagers of Khanduli and adjoining areas, had also held protests in Jowai that lasted for four days. It was then suspended on July 13 after the district administration assured that the issue will be taken up with Karbi Anglong in a week.
Irked by no action, the JSM members went to Khanduli to remove the tax gate on their own. However, they were prevented by the district administration and a war of words broke out between officials and leaders of the organisation.
Things calmed down after the JSM were informed that the chief ministers of both the state are scheduled to visit Khanduli on August 3 to discuss on the border dispute including the tax gate.
JSM President Lening Star Rymbai said the organisation had decided to take matter on their own because no steps have been taken by the state government or the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council to remove the tax gate.
