HITO puts up sign boards ‘7trep territory’ at Iongkhuli

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 28, 2021

The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) on Tuesday put up sign boards “Hynniewtrep territory” at Iongkhuli village under Raid Marwet in Ri Bhoi district following the alleged encroachment by Assam.

This came a day after a clash broke out between Assam police and the local residents of Iongkhuli when the former objected and removed the electricity poles erected by the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).

Activists of the HITO led Ri-Bhoi Vice President Brandon Shangpliang and senior member Samuel Kharnaior went to the village and put up the signboards with a warning to the intruders to stay away.

The HITO said that the action was taken despite the state government is busy guarding the State Secretariat from a lone woman protester.

The HITO condemned the ongoing border dispute and the obstinate stance adopted by the government of Assam as witnessed in the past few days when barely hours after discussions with the Home Minister Amit Shah, trouble began in Assam-Mizoram border and now Iongkhuli.

Yesterday’s incident is a grim reminder of Langpih in West Khasi Hills about a decade ago in which precious lives were lost for no rhyme or reason and people still either coming to terms or still living in perpetual fear and trauma. Relief or protection remains a distant dream for them.