Anxiety over displaced Manipuris in state

SHILLONG:

The opposition in the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on June 26 expressed concern over the arrival of people displaced in the Manipur violence in the state and wanted dorbar shnongs to be vigilant.

United Democratic Party (UDP)-nominated MDC Bindo Lanong moved a motion in this connection.

 “I brought this motion as there are problems in our state arising out of the issues in Manipur. Many people from Manipur had to flee and have sought refuge in many parts including Meghalaya,” he said.

He informed that the dorbar shnongs were finding it difficult to cope with the situation as the displaced people were living with their relatives here.

“We are anxious, what if they settle here?” he remarked.

While pointing out that incidents in Manipur have had a ripple effect, Lanong urged the Executive Committee to direct dorbar shnongs to be vigilant and to intimate the state government or the district council if they face any issues.

Meanwhile, leader of opposition and immediate-past CEM Titostarwell Chyne said that it was the responsibility of the KHADC to take the matter seriously.

Following a meeting with the traditional heads where the then EC under his leadership had directed them to be vigilant, Chyne, however, claimed that the traditional heads were threatened by certain groups in authority for not allowing the displaced people to stay.

“We empathise with them, the state government should have known how many of the displaced persons are here,” he added.

Raising concerns on the increasing number of displaced people arriving in the state, Chyne questioned if the state wants to see another “refugee colony” and referred to the one already in existence

UDP MDC Jambor War said that the implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) was needed to protect the state from the influx of non-Khasis.

Independent MDC Latiplang Kharkongor claimed that displaced people arrived in the state in the middle of night leaving the dorbar shnongs helpless.

He said that the displaced persons have even purchased land in Pilangkata (Ri Bhoi) and have settled in the border areas.

“If there is no vigilance, they will soon dominate the state,” Kharkongor claimed.

In his reply, Deputy Chief Executive Member (CEM) in-charge of Elaka Administration Pynshngainlang N Syiem said that it was the duty of the state government to look into the matter.

“There is a need for ILP to prevent undue settlement,” he said, adding that the laws of the Council need to be reviewed.