Farmers attacked, injured

SHILLONG, AUG 13: Nine farmers, including women, were critically injured when they were attacked by miscreants armed with lethal weapons while they were working in their paddy fields, a land which is under dispute at a remote village under Mawsynram, about 20 kilometers from Shillong.

“Six women and three men of Thyllaw village were badly injured after they were attacked by a group of villagers from a neighbouring village of Mawbynna on Tuesday morning while they were working in their paddy fields,” East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police (SP) M Kharkrang told reporters.

While most of victims received head injuries, one woman was also molested by the miscreants, Kharkhrang said while informing that all the injured were shifted to Mawsynram PHC.

Kharkhrang informed, “The incident is also a result of a civil dispute between the two villages – Thyllaw and Mawbynna which is still pending in the district council court and High Court,” adding “It is cultivable land located in Thyllaw which the Mawbynna had claimed that they own it.”

According to Kharkhrang, the Mawbynna villagers however failed to maintain status quo which was earlier agreed upon by both the parties since the matter is still lying pending in court.

“During a meeting convened in the deputy commissioner’s office attended by both the village heads, they had agreed to let the civil dispute case continue while they wait for court’s verdict on the matter,” Kharkhrang informed.

Kharkhrang further informed that the case relating to assault, provocation, trespasses and molestation have been registered against the villagers of Mawbynna.

Police are yet to arrest anyone involved in criminal acts, Kharkrang said adding, “We have identified quite a few of those involved in attacking the villagers and would soon arrest the perpetrators.”

Kharkhrang said that a meeting between the police and district administration will be held to work out plan of action to bring amicable environment in the two villages and ensure that such criminal acts does not repeat.- By Our Reporter