Shillong, July 22: In response to the recent statement of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma that Meghalaya has encroached into Assam territory, the Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) on Thursday put up a signboard “Hynniewtrep Territory” at Khang-khatwie in West Jaintia Hills District, which was allegedly encroached by Assam.

The HITO in a statement said that Khang-khatwie was part and parcel of the Elaka Nongjngi but it was illegally encroached by Assam after 1972.

It said that Khang-khatwie is also a sacred place for performing rituals by the Elaka Nongjngi and Elaka Labang Nongphyllut.

“We condemned the Assam CM for making such a statement without knowing the facts. Therefore, to reply back we went to put up the signboard there to show that the land belongs to us,” the HITO said.