Raphael Warjri

Tension flared at the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) on Tuesday as hundreds of residents of Hima Langrin, under the banner of Seng Samla Hima Langrin, laid siege to the Council's headquarters in a strong show of protest against the reinstatement of suspended Syiem, Bah Nangtei Syiemiong.

The protesters converged at the KHADC premises demanding the immediate revocation of the Council's decision to restore Bah Syiemiong as Syiem. As the crowd attempted to enter the Council complex, KHADC Enforcement personnel swiftly sealed the main gate, triggering a brief face-off between security personnel and demonstrators. The situation turned tense as the gate was nearly breached before officials managed to bring the situation under control.

In an effort to defuse the standoff, KHADC Chief Executive Member (CEM) held parleys with a delegation of the protesters. During the closed-door meeting, the delegation strongly pressed for the immediate removal of the reinstated Syiem and raised several concerns over the Council's decision. However, the talks ended inconclusively, with no breakthrough reported.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the protest leaders issued a 15-day ultimatum to the KHADC to rescind the reinstatement order. They warned that failure to act within the stipulated period would compel them to intensify their agitation by launching an indefinite hunger strike outside the KHADC office until their demands are met.