Shillong: An organisation in Meghalaya on Tuesday claimed to have distributed traditional weapons among the residents of Mukroh area of West Jaintia Hills amidst the ongoing talks to resolve interstate border issues between the state and Assam, prompting the police to book its leader.
Hynniewtrep National Youth Movement (HNYM) leader Louis Dohtdong told the police on being summoned during the day that the organisation has distributed bows and arrows among the people of Mukroh in the disputed block I area to protect themselves from Karbi militants.
“We distributed 100 bows and 1000 arrows among the people in the villages along the disputed Assam-Meghalaya border last year (2022) to protect them from aggressions by Karbi militants,” Dohtdong later told reporters.
Bows and arrows are traditional weapons of the Khasi tribe and all households of its people have these indigenous weapos as a measure of safety, he said.
Dohtdong was quick to clarify that HNYM did not encourage the people of the interstate area to use guns but asked them to use the bows and arrows in case of emergency and when attacked. “If the state government fails to protect the people at the border area, it is our bounden duty to protect our people,” he said.
He had made public his intention to arm people of violence-hit Mukroh with bows and arrows soon after six people were shot dead by Assam Police in November last year.
A suo moto case was registered by Meghalaya police on Tuesday after Dohtdang’s claim and he was booked under various sections of the IPC, including for attempting to cause communal violence. His statement was also recorded.
Meghalaya and Assam are in advanced stages of resolving their differences in six areas, including villages in Langpih area of West Khasi Hills district, Block II in Ri-Bhoi district and Block I of Jaintia Hills region.
Dear Reader,
Every day, our team at EastMojo travels through rain, rough roads, and remote hills to bring you stories that matter – stories from your town, your people, your Northeast.
We do this because we believe in truthful, independent journalism. No big corporate backing, no government pressure – just honest reporting by local journalists who live and breathe the same air you do.
But to keep doing this work, we need you. Your small contribution helps us pay our reporters fairly, reach places others ignore, and keep asking the tough questions.
If you believe the Northeast deserves its own fearless voice, stand with us.
Support independent journalism. Be a Member.
Thank you,
Karma Paljor
Editor-in-Chief, eastmojo.com
Chief Ministers Conrad K Sangma and Himanta Biswa Sarma met in Guwahati in May and June and regional committees met here to take forward the talks.
Both the states signed an MoU in March last year to resolve their differences in western Garo Hills region and Khanapara area of Ri-Bhoi district.
Also Read | Meghalaya CM takes up CUET issues with education minister