Ensure Manipur ‘refugees’ return, Meghalaya tribal council tells traditional local bodies 

A tribal council in Meghalaya has flagged the “mass migration” of people from ethnic strife-torn Manipur to the State’s capital Shillong and adjoining areas. 

A tribal council in Meghalaya has flagged the “mass migration” of people from ethnic strife-torn Manipur to the State’s capital Shillong and adjoining areas. 

The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) has accordingly asked the Dorbar Shnongs — traditional village or locality-based councils — to keep track of how many people have taken refuge and ensure they return after the situation back home in Manipur after normalcy is restored. 

A Dorbar Shnong runs a Khasi village or urban neighbourhood according to customary laws. These bodies, each headed by a Rangbah Shnong (headman), had asked homeowners not to let out their premises to “outsiders” after violence broke out in Manipur on May 3. 

Explained | What is behind Manipur’s widespread unrest?

On June 26, the KHADC discussed the law-and-order situation across the Khasi Hills in view of the “communal disturbance in Manipur”. The summer session of the council is on. 

The discussion followed a meeting of the KHADC’s Executive Committee with the Rangbah Shnongs of Shillong. 

“The tribals from Manipur are migrating not only to the northeastern States but also to countries like Thailand and Myanmar. The council needs to alert the localities about this situation,” Bindo M. Lanong, a member of the district council said.