Shillong: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has issued an urgent appeal to the Chief Secretary of Assam, urging immediate intervention to prevent a potential road blockade along the Meghalaya-Assam highway.
This blockade, reportedly planned by the Kutumba Suraksha Parishad, a right-wing group, is a reaction to the ongoing Mawjymbuiñ issue, which has heightened tensions in the region.
HITO expressed grave concerns over the potential repercussions of such a blockade, warning that it could disrupt the peace and coexistence between communities in the area.
The organisation emphasised that the Mawjymbuiñ issue must be resolved through traditional mechanisms, particularly the Dorbar Shnong, the indigenous governance council of the Hynñiewtrep people.
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According to HITO, the Dorbar Shnong has long served as the authoritative body for addressing disputes and ensuring harmony among the Khasi communities.
The organisation also highlighted the significance of the Instrument of Accession (IOA) of the Khasi States, which affirms the Hynñiewtrep people’s rights over their ancestral lands.
HITO insists that these legal and traditional frameworks must guide the resolution of the Mawjymbuiñ issue.
In its plea, HITO warned that allowing the road blockade to proceed could spark violence and unrest, particularly in Shillong, where a significant population of Hindu non-tribal residents resides.
The group called on the Assam government to take decisive action to prevent the situation from escalating into a broader conflict.
“We urge the government to treat this matter with the seriousness it deserves,” HITO stated, emphasising the need for prompt and firm measures to ensure the safety and security of all communities in the region.
The appeal underscores the fragile balance in the inter-state dynamics and the importance of respecting traditional governance systems to maintain peace in the region.
