After several hours of protest, hundreds of residents of Hima Langrin were finally allowed to enter the premises of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Wednesday, August 19.
The protesters were allowed inside the KHADC compound while awaiting the outcome of talks between their leaders and the Chief Executive Member (CEM).
The delegation is holding discussions with the KHADC authorities over the residents’ demand to remove Nongtei Sing Syiem as Syiem of Hima Langrin and instead conduct an election for the post.
The decision to allow the protesters into the KHADC premises came after their demonstration outside the main gate caused major traffic disruption and congestion in the Garikhana area.
Earlier in the day, hundreds of Hima Langrin residents had marched to the KHADC office but were prevented from entering by police personnel deployed at the gate. Angered by the restriction, the protesters sat down on the road outside the Council premises, disrupting vehicular movement.
Police and KHADC authorities later allowed the crowd to enter the compound, easing the traffic congestion outside.
The residents are now awaiting the outcome of the discussions between their representatives and the KHADC authorities.
Police personnel continue to maintain security at the premises, with personnel equipped with batons deployed as a precautionary measure.
