Protest by the Jaiñtia Students’ Movement (JSM) demanding removal of the tax gate from Khanduli along the Meghalaya-Assam border entered the third day, as people from the concern village too joined the protest today.
Members of the JSM and villagers held a sit-in demonstration in front of the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
The gate was erected by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council on April 15, 2023 and ever since has brought in tension between the Pnar and Karbi communities along the Meghalaya-Assam border.
Assistant Waheh Shnong of Khanduli K. Bina said authorities have failed to address the issue and remove the tax gate and villagers have even stopped going to their farmlands and are feeling insecure.
Ribha Muruh, a farmer said she is living under misery as she is unable to go and work.
JSM Western Region President Ribok Biam said protest will continue if the government fails to address to the demand. “We will ensure that the district administration and JHADC lose sleep,” he added.