Shillong, July 26:
Brief
– MeECL tried to erect electricity poles at Iongkhuli village in Ri Bhoi district but Assam officials objected to it
– Both states claim the land to be theirs
– Mawhati MDC, Charles Marngar allegedly manhandled by Assam police
Full Report
Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited’s (MeECL) bid to erect electricity poles at Iongkhuli village near Killing in Ri Bhoi district tuned into violent clash between the local residents of Iongkhuli and Assam police on Monday. The contention of Assam officials was that the area falls under Assam territory whereas local residents said Assam has encroached into Meghalaya territory.
Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) member (MDC) from Mawhati constituency, Charles Marngar was also allegedly manhandled by the Assam police during the incident.
Assam police along with a magistrate from Kamrup district came to the Iongkhuli and objected to the MeECL erecting the electricity poles. However the MDC along with local residents demonstrated strong opposition when the Assam police tried to forcibly strike down the electricity poles.
There were claims and counterclaims that nearly led the situation to go out of control.
The local residents were also backed by the Meghalaya People Social Organization (MPSO).
During the incident, the Assam police and district officials of Kamrup refused to listen to the request of the Ri Bhoi Additional Deputy Commissioner R Kharbihkhiew and SP N Lamare and went ahead with their action.
Iongkhuli village falls under the Jirang constituency and Raid Marwet of Hima Mylliem.
Marngar condemned the action of the Assam police. He also demanded the state government to take up this matter seriously to ensure such illegal encroachment by Assam is not allowed.
