BJP leader sparks controversy for firing at villagers in Umrangso, FIR lodged

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 31, 2024

A BJP leader and an Executive Member (EM) of the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC), Monjit Naiding has sparked controversy following an incident in which he allegedly fired at villagers in Nobdi Longkukro, Dima Hasao district.

The incident occurred on October 30, around 1:30 p.m., under the jurisdiction of Umrangso Police Station.

According to reports, EM Monjit Naiding forcibly took his Personal Security Officer’s (PSO) weapon and fired at the villagers who were resisting his attempt to seize village land for establishing a cement factory. He is also accused of assaulting several villagers during the confrontation.

This incident has raised concerns about the misuse of power and escalating tensions over land acquisition issues in the village.

According to a complaint filed by villagers with the Umrangso Police Station, a confrontation took place when the villagers approached an earth-cutting site where EM Monjit Naiding was present. The villagers allege that Naiding assaulted them and fired at them using an automatic rifle, which he reportedly seized from his PSO.

Naiding was reportedly overseeing an excavation operation at the site in connection with the establishment of a JK Lakshmi Cement factory.

The conflict over land for a proposed cement factory in Nobdi Longkukro village has intensified after local villagers, who claim long-standing occupancy, opposed the site development for a JK Lakshmi Cement factory.

Villagers reportedly blocked earth-cutting activities, and Naiding, a former militant turned politician from the BJP, arrived to enforce the earth-cutting work with an excavator, and tensions escalated.

The victims – Sonesh Hojai, Somorjit Nunisa, and Suboynon Jidung filed an FIR at the Umrangso Police Station. However, instead of immediate action, the victims were summoned for questioning.

On Thursday, the victims approached Superintendent of Police Mayank Kumar, who directed the Officer-in-Charge to officially register the FIR against Naiding and initiate an investigation.

Amid the controversy, further allegations have emerged suggesting that although the government allocated ₹42 crore as compensation for villagers affected by the land acquisition, the funds were never disbursed to the intended recipients. Instead, it is alleged that the entire amount was siphoned off by Naiding.

This alleged embezzlement has intensified the grievances of the villagers, who already oppose the development project on their land.