The district administration in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills has banned people from cutting wood at a disputed site after tensions increased between two neighbouring villages in the area. The move has been taken as a preventive step to stop the situation from turning worse and to make sure that there is no disturbance of peace. According to officials, residents of Nonjrong village and Kut village have been involved in cutting firewood from a patch of land that is claimed by both sides. This activity is said to have created friction, as both communities believe they have rights over the area. With tempers rising and the risk of arguments or confrontation increasing, the district administration decided to step in. District Magistrate Rosetta Mary Kurbah issued an order prohibiting the cutting of wood at the site with immediate effect. The order was passed under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which allows authorities to take quick action to prevent possible disturbances. The order was also passed ex parte, meaning it was issued without hearing both sides first, as the administration believed the matter required urgent attention.
The ban will stay in place until further notice. Officials have also warned that anyone found violating the order will face strict legal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and other relevant laws. The administration said that the primary purpose of the ban is to prevent any possible clash or misunderstanding between the two villages. Authorities are keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure that peace and order are maintained. The directive was issued on December 27 and covers the entire disputed area in East Khasi Hills, whose district headquarters is located in Shillong. Residents in both villages have been advised to cooperate with the order and avoid any activity that may increase tension. The administration has also urged people not to spread rumours or statements that may further inflame the situation. Officials feel that the ban is a temporary measure to calm the atmosphere, while further assessment is carried out. The dispute over the wood cutting area has existed for some time, but the recent increase in activity reportedly raised concerns that the matter could spiral out of control if not handled carefully.
So far, there have been no reports of violence, but the authorities do not want the situation to reach that stage. Preventive orders like this are often used in sensitive areas to ensure that arguments do not turn into physical conflict. The administration also stressed that law and order remain a top priority. Local people say that many families depend on firewood for daily needs, which may have led to frequent visits to the disputed land. However, the administration has requested villagers to look for alternative arrangements until the issue is settled.