Nongpoh, June 10: The Hynniewtrep Achik National Movement (HANM) Ri Bhoi District on Wednesday sought clarification from officials of the Forest Department regarding reports of alleged illegal sawmill operations continuing in the Jirang area of Ri Bhoi district despite earlier directives to shut them down.
Acting on information received from HANM Jirang Circle leaders and concerns raised by a village elder during the recent oath-taking ceremony of the Circle’s office bearers and members, a delegation of HANM leaders visited the Forest Department’s Sukurberia (Iewmawroh) Beat Forest Office (BFO) to ascertain the facts.
The delegation was led by HANM Ri Bhoi District President, Markus Marten, accompanied by Vice-President Wanteibor Makri and members of the district unit. They were joined by HANM Jirang Circle leaders led by Circle President Apsait Rani.
During the meeting, the delegation sought to know whether Forest Department officials were aware of the existence and continued operation of sawmills in the Jirang area. According to HANM, despite reports that the sawmills had been ordered to close, timber and wood products continue to be transported regularly from the area to Assam and other destinations.
However, during discussions, the Ranger of the Sukurberia BFO reportedly informed the delegation that the department had no specific information regarding the alleged operations and that no timber-laden vehicles had been observed passing through the designated forest check gate.
HANM leaders expressed skepticism over the response, stating that timber-carrying vehicles have frequently been seen using the route to transport wood to other locations.
Speaking to reporters, Markus Marten said the organisation would continue monitoring the situation and may collect photographic and video evidence if such vehicles are spotted again. He said the evidence would be used to establish the facts surrounding the alleged activities.
The HANM leader also urged the Forest Department to conduct fresh inspections of the suspected sawmills, arguing that the continued presence of wood shavings and sawdust being used as fuelwood indicates that timber processing activities may still be ongoing in the area.
He called upon the authorities to thoroughly investigate the matter and take appropriate action if any violations of forest regulations are found.
