The village elders of the Mukroh in West Jaintia Hills have complained to Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong alleging that the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has intruded into the jurisdiction of Mukroh village.
In the complaint, Mukroh village chairman Chilangki Phawa, headman Kitlang Maskut and village secretary Precioustar Sten brought to the attention of the deputy chief minister regarding the latest intrusion by KAAC into the jurisdiction of Mukroh village under Laskein C&RD Block and Barato Police Outpost.
They also stated that as per notification dated October 25, 1968 notified by the office of the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC), the areas of Mukroh village extends upto Elaka Labang Nongphyllut/Block-I or Moikoilum village. But Assam encroached into the areas of Mukroh several years ago and established its Forest Beat House within the area of Mukroh village.
Stating that the residents of Mukroh village depend on firewoods for cooking foods which are collected from the forest areas of the village since time immemorial, the complaint stated that presently the villagers are hesitant and afraid to go and collect firewood from the forest areas of the villages due to the recent intrusion of KAAC.
“The KAAC forbids the local residents to collect fire wood as the KAAC claimed that the forest area of Mukroh belonged to it. During the month of September, 2024, the KAAC cut down the trees for constructing roads in Salang, Mukroh with the purpose of establishing a tea plantation. The Dorbar Shnong Mukroh viewed this action of KAAC as an act of intrusion and trespass to the area of Mukroh,” the complaint said.
The elders also said that they had already informed the district administration of West Jaintia Hills regarding the illegal construction of roads by KAAC.
“Although the district authorities from West Jaintia Hills visited the site and halted the work, the contractor, showing disregard for the law, continued with the construction immediately after the magistrate left Mukroh village,” they added.
The village elders also urged Tynsong to deploy police personnel for round the clock security in the village to prevent any further illegal activity by KAAC and ensure that the law is upheld. They also requested Tynsong to use his authority to stop the ongoing construction of a road and tea plantation project in Salang, Mukroh by KAAC.
