Clash breaks out between locals and Assam police at Iongkhuli village, MDC manhandled

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 26, 2021

A clash broke out between local residents of Iongkhuli village near Killing, Ri Bhoi district and Assam police over erecting electricity poles by the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) on Monday.

Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) member 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.

While Assam officials claimed that the place where the MeECL had erected the electricity falls under the Assam territory, the local residents however refuted by saying that it was illegal encroachment by Assam in Meghalaya territory.

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.