The Jaiñtia Students’ Movement (JSM) and villagers of Khanduli have decided to suspend their protest to demand removal of the entry tax gate erected by the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council in Khanduli along the Meghalaya-Assam border.
This came after West Jaiñtia Hills Deputy Commissioner Batlang S Sohliya assured the protestors that the issue will be taken up with his Assam counterpart in Karbi Anglong in a week.
For four days the protestors have been on the streets of Jowai to make their voice heard to the district administration and the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
Earlier today, a rally was held from Wah Gate (Petrol Pump) through Ïawmusiang and in front of the DC’s office and the JHADC. A meeting was also held as speakers slammed the district council stating it failed to protect the land of the people while Khanduli villagers have turned into fences to protect the state’s boundary.
Waheh Shnong of Khanduli, Yoshida Nongspung also spoke at the rally and stressed on how farmers are facing difficulty amidst the tension. He said that the problems of not being able to go their farmlands was flagged with authorities on numerous occasion, but nothing has been done to alleviate their sufferings and bring back peace in the area.
The entry tax 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.
