The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC) Western Zone has expressed strong objection and surprise over the Assam government’s appointment of a headman from the Karbi community in Lakaroi—a village located within Meghalaya and governed by the Jaiñtia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC).
Describing the act as forceful and unauthorized, JNC Western Zone President Hamehi Bamon led a delegation to meet with Thombor Shiwat, Chief Executive Member (CEM) of the JHADC, seeking clarification on Assam’s actions in the Jaiñtia Hills region. Lakaroi, the village in question, falls under the jurisdiction of the Dorbar Pyllun Lapangap in West Jaiñtia Hills District.
The JNC has also found that a significant portion of Lakaroi’s population belongs to the Karbi tribe. While these residents reportedly hold documentation, including voter IDs, issued by the Dorbar Shnong Lapangap, the Council is alarmed that many of them are transferring their documents to Assam without the knowledge or consent of the JHADC.
“We urge you to take appropriate action by sending representatives from your office to the village and to promptly remove the headman, as this village is not part of Assam, and they have no authority to interfere with our land,” said JNC Western Zone President Hamehi Bamon in a statement.
In response, CEM Thombor Shiwat assured the JNC that swift action would be taken against any party violating JHADC’s jurisdiction and regulations.
Reiterating the seriousness of the issue, the JNC President emphasized that if the JHADC fails to act decisively, the organization will not remain silent.
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