The Jaiñtia Students Movement (JSM), Western region has demanded removal of the entry tax gate raised in Khanduli along the Meghalaya-Assam border by July 10.
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.
Pointing out that Khanduli falls under Namdong C&RD Block and also under the jurisdiction of the Jaiñtia Autonomous District Council (JHADC) the JSM said the village is one the disputed areas between the two states, but presently it is under the physical occupation of Meghalaya.
Leaders of the JSM also met West Jaiñtia Hills Deputy Commissioner Batlang S Sohliya today with the demand.
“It appears that the district administration has taken the intrusion of the KAAC as mere intrusion of Khanduli village and not as intrusion into the physical territory of Meghalaya,” JSM said.
While there are several Pnar villages in the disputed area of Block-1 falling under the physical occupation of Assam beyond zero point, the JSM said Meghalaya has never carried out any developmental works there.
Meanwhile, two persons who were taking a sick man were reportedly denied exit by the Karbis and Assam police yesterday.
Residents said a patient from Mooriap village was being transported to get medical help from either to Shillong or Jowai, but were stopped at Tahpat near Lapangap and were not allowed to proceed further.
