Nongpoh, Oct 4: In response to a recent incident on October 2, where two local boys from Meghalaya were assaulted by unidentified individuals believed to be part of an Assam-based syndicate, the village elders of Mawsmai 11 Mile held a meeting on Friday.

The gathering took place at Jorabat, where the elders demanded the removal of barricades allegedly set up by the syndicate to extort money from vehicles passing through the area.

The meeting was led by the Rangbah Shnong (village head) of Mawsmai 11 Mile, Petrus Shakwa, along with villagers and members of the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP), Byrnihat Circle. The group strongly condemned the incident and expressed concern over the syndicate’s activities, which have been causing fear among residents, particularly women.

Shakwa stated that the syndicate, operating under the guise of locals from Assam, has been extorting money from goods-carrying vehicles in Jorabat, often with the alleged involvement of Assam Police. He claimed that the extortion usually takes place during the night, with Assam Police turning a blind eye to the illegality.

One local woman at the meeting voiced her concerns, noting that the presence of the syndicate at night has become a source of fear for the community. She alleged that the men, often intoxicated, create disturbances and intimidate residents. In the October 2 incident, the two local boys were reportedly beaten severely, though they managed to escape.

Following the meeting, the villagers and elders of Mawsmai 11 Mile decided to lodge an official complaint with the Deputy Commissioner of Ri Bhoi District, seeking action to stop the operations of these syndicates. They emphasized the need for immediate intervention to restore peace and ensure the safety of residents, particularly during nighttime hours.

Read: NPP and VPP unite to demand Civil Sub-Division for Mawsynram

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