Shillong, June 12: In a challenge to government efforts to resolve inter-state border dispute between Meghalaya and Assam, a Karbi group from Assam has allegedly threatened Pnar villagers of disputed Block-I area with dire consequences, if they don’t stop expressing their desire to be with Meghalaya, according to Hynniewtrep Border Dispute Redressal Forum (HBDRF).
The Forum has sought intervention of West Jaintia Hills district administration against Karbi Students’ Association led by one Augustine Hanse for allegedly threatening the Pnar villagers of Block-I area.
“In view of the above, we request you to take up this matter with the Assam counterpart so that no harm or harassment will happen to our people in Block-I,” HBDRF chairman Chandame Sungoh stated in a complaint lodged with DC and SP of West Jaintia Hills.
According to the Forum, a group of Karbi people intimidated some Pnar villagers from Block-I at Khanduli Myni area recently.
“Sam War from Khyndeliar and Six Lyngdoh, headman of Mooknor of Block-I went for marketing at the weekly market at Myn-i (Am-ih) on June 6, 2025 but they were obstructed by a group of four Karbi people led by Augustine Hanse from Rongpongbong and members of Karbi Students Association, Umpawiang (Langhemphi) area,” Sungoh said in the complaint.
Two Pnar villagers were reprimanded by Hanse and others because the former attended a rally of HBDRF at Jowai on May 3 this year, he said.
“Augustine Hanse and others directed the Pnar persons not to attend any public gathering in Meghalaya and stop expressing their willingness to be within Meghalaya during the border settlement of these two states. The Pnar people should indicate their support and agreement to remain in Karbi Anglong, Assam,” Sungoh said.
Meanwhile, the Forum has urged the government and other NGOs to unite and put an end to “all the fear and insecurity” of the Khasi-Pnar people in border areas.
