Hundreds of residents from Huroi and Lahalein villages in East Jaintia Hills district came out in large numbers on Tuesday and marched towards Jowai to protest against the issuance of a Sanad (traditional land/authority certificate) by the JHADC to Jonny Suchen of Umpyrshin. Village leaders, along with the residents, reached Jowai, where a brief meeting was held before proceeding towards the JHADC office.
However, upon reaching the JHADC gate, the district authorities and police allowed only 10 representatives from the two villages to enter the office. The delegation was unable to meet the JHADC CEM, the Deputy CEM, or even their MDC, as they were not present in the office. They were, however, able to meet the secretary of the JHADC and were informed that a Tribunal would be constituted on April 6 to examine the matter.
Meanwhile, the village leaders demanded that the council resolve the issue within the stipulated time, warning that if any untoward incident occurs in the area, the district council would be held fully responsible. It was informed that the situation has escalated to the point where the public had to come out because the proposed highway, or the High Speed Corridor, is scheduled to pass through this area, leading to the unrest.