Khliehriat: Police in East Jaintia Hills have arrested the Waheh Shnong of Lakadong Ummat, Rimi Amkhloo, following a violent clash that broke out during a joint land measurement survey for the proposed greenfield high-speed corridor.
The incident occurred on Tuesday when two groups from Lama village and Lakadong Ummat clashed over ownership of an arecanut plantation at Khlieh Wah Rakhiang.
According to police, the clash left three villagers — Biron Amrynsong, Argen Rupsi and Cheerful Suchen — injured. Reports stated that firearms, lathis, daos and explosive substances were allegedly used during the confrontation.
An FIR was lodged at Ladrymbai Police Station by the Waheh Shnong of Lama village, Dawan-oo Rymbai, and village secretary Charling Syrti, accusing several individuals from Lakadong Ummat of attempting to murder villagers by “firing guns indiscriminately.”
Village elders said the Deputy Commissioner’s office had scheduled a spot inspection of the disputed land for the proposed four-lane expressway alignment, to be conducted in the presence of an Executive Magistrate, officials of National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited, police personnel and villagers.
The FIR alleges that the accused group arrived at the site between 10:30 am and 11 am and opened fire during the confrontation, leaving three villagers with bullet injuries.
Of the injured, Cheerful Suchen, who suffered gunshot wounds to the stomach and hand, has been shifted to Supercare Hospital, while Biron Amrynsong and Argen Rupsi are undergoing treatment at Woodland Hospital.
Authorities confirmed that the accused fled the scene after the incident.
Meanwhile, to restore calm in the area, District Magistrate Manish Kumar has imposed Section 163 of the BNSS in the affected area.
Police said investigations are ongoing and security has been tightened to prevent further escalation.
