Following recent unrest at Umladoh village in Ri-Bhoi, officials of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) met with affected residents to address their grievances concerning crops that were destroyed by the council’s employees on August 3.
The KHADC delegation was led by executive member in charge of the Forest Department, Macdalyne S Mawlong, in the presence of Nongpoh MDC Balajied Rani and other officials.
The controversy began when KHADC staff destroyed crops belonging to five local families. This action led to widespread protests and media coverage, with demands for justice from social organisations.
At today’s meeting, officials clarified that the destruction occurred because the crops were growing on land owned by KHADC. Despite initial resistance, residents acknowledged the legality of the land ownership but still requested compensation for their losses.
Mawlong explained that the incident resulted from continued unauthorised cultivation despite prior warnings. She assured that the situation was clarified with the residents and that their compensation request would be forwarded to the KHADC’s Chief Executive Member for further consideration.
