Shillong: The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) has called on the Chief Secretary of Assam to intervene and avert a potential road blockade on the Meghalaya-Assam highway.
The blockade, reportedly planned by the Hindu right-wing group Kutumba Suraksha Parishad, is linked to the contentious Mawjymbuiñ dispute and threatens to disrupt this critical transport link between the two northeastern states.
In its appeal, HITO voiced serious concerns about the potential fallout of such a blockade, warning it could destabilize regional harmony. The organization emphasized that the Mawjymbuiñ issue is deeply tied to the customs of the Hynñiewtrep people and should be resolved through the Dorbar Shnong, the community’s traditional governance system.
HITO underscored the significance of the Dorbar Shnong in mediating disputes, citing the Instrument of Accession (IOA) of the Khasi States, which affirms the rights of the Hynñiewtrep people over their ancestral lands. “This blockade could escalate tensions and provoke violence, especially in Shillong, home to many Hindu non-tribal residents. Such a scenario would endanger the region’s peace and harmony,” HITO warned.
The organization urged the Assam government to act swiftly to prevent the blockade, cautioning against the severe repercussions of inaction. It stressed the need for dialogue and cooperation to resolve the dispute without inflaming tensions.
The Mawjymbuiñ issue has gained prominence after demands from the Hindu organization to reopen Meghalaya’s Mawjymbuin Cave for Hindu rituals, accompanied by a 10-day ultimatum. The dispute highlights the complex interplay of traditional governance, land rights, and state policies in the region, where maintaining a balance is crucial for peace.
HITO’s statement reflects the urgency of addressing the matter diplomatically, avoiding actions that could undermine the delicate social fabric of the northeastern states.