Meghalaya police book HYC leaders for unlawful eviction drive

Shillong: Meghalaya police have filed a case against Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) leaders for carrying out an unauthorized eviction drive targeting settlers in Shillong's Lum Survey area.

The case registered at Sadar police station in Shillong, names HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem, vice president Donbok Kharlyngdoh, assistant general secretary Isaac Basaiawmoit, and others.

"HYC members resorted to vigilantism during the eviction. The land belongs to the Defence estate, but there's a court case regarding the settlers' status," said East Khasi Hills SP Rituraj Ravi.

On Thursday, HYC members demolished homes in the Lum Survey. Earlier, they demanded the East Khasi Hills administration remove the "illegal" structures within two weeks.

"This ultimatum holds no legal weight. No NGO can dictate eviction procedures to the government," Ravi added.

The HYC has accused the Lum Survey area of harbouring criminals and drug activities.