The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has appealed to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, through the Governor of Meghalaya, for urgent intervention over alleged human rights violations linked to the ongoing Assam-Meghalaya border dispute.
In its memorandum, HITO accused the Assam government of repeated encroachments into areas under the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, resulting in “daily hardships, destruction of property, and threats to livelihood” for residents of border villages. The organisation cited past incidents, including the 2009 Langpih massacre and the 2022 Mukroh firing, as evidence of what it termed “state-sponsored aggression,” claiming Assam has ignored historical boundaries and regional agreements.
Most recently, HITO alleged that Assam authorities, “using Karbi tribemen,” had prevented Meghalaya farmers from harvesting paddy crops, describing the action as a “blatant act of territorial encroachment” that caused significant economic distress to local communities. The organisation further claimed that, despite assurances from Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to ease tensions, “armed Karbi militant outfits” continue to intimidate villagers. HITO demanded that all responsible officials and personnel be held accountable.
HITO also called on the Centre to uphold commitments made under the Instrument of Accession and Annexed Agreement of the Khasi States, asserting that failure to do so has deprived the Hynñiewtrep people of their rights and autonomy for over 75 years.