Shillong, Dec 29: The district administration in Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills had imposed an immediate prohibition on wood cutting at a disputed location after reports of rising tension between two neighbouring villages raised fears of a law and order situation.
Officials said residents from Nonjrong and Kut villages were allegedly involved in collecting firewood from the contested area, which led to friction between the communities and prompted administrative intervention to prevent further escalation.
District Magistrate Rosetta Mary Kurbah invoked powers under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to bar people from both villages from cutting wood at the site. The order was issued ex parte on grounds of urgency and was enforced with immediate effect, remaining valid until withdrawn or modified.
The administration warned that any breach of the directive would attract strict penal action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita along with other applicable legal provisions.
The order, issued on December 27, applied to the disputed area within East Khasi Hills district, headquartered in Shillong, as authorities sought to maintain peace while the matter remained unresolved.
