Villagers of Kyrdum in West Khasi Hills are keeping strict vigil over the area after Assam police had tried to intrude a couple of months ago.
A village, Piolin Lyngkhoi informed that officers from Assam along with the police came to Kyrdum in June and after that the dorbar shnong decided to set up vigil so that people from the neighbouring state won’t be able to come and lay claim to their lands.
Lyngkhoi said that the dorbar shnong has divided the villagers into groups and they take turns to keep vigil over the village under a thatch roof house they constructed.
He also said that the community forest at Kyrdum, is recognized by Nonglang Sirdarship since the year 1957.
“Since then the village is protecting the area and does not allow anyone to indiscriminately cut down the trees. Only the dorbar shnong can give permission only for unavoidable cases,” Lyngkhoi said.
If the dorbar shnong does not take interest Assam could easily take away the area, he said.
Lyngkhoi said that the attempted intrusion by Assam was to construct a water sources for Nepali villagers who are residing in Lawbah, Langpih, Mawkoibari and Mawbynna.
Assam also had plans to set up a forest beat house in the area.
