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Chokpot, Nov. 4, 2025: The villagers of Paromgre, under Chokpot Civil Sub-Division, in South Garo Hills, have strongly condemned what they allege to be a false and misleading FIR lodged by Georgemon S. Marak.

The complaint, filed against eight local residents, has sparked widespread outrage and distress within the community, who claim that the allegations are baseless and intended to sow confusion and discord among the villagers.

According to the community’s official statement, the individuals named in the FIR include Pondit C. Marak (Chra), Roster C. Marak (Chra), Cracker R. Sangma (Nokchik), Clearbeston Ch. Marak (Nokchik), Probath Ch. Marak (Nokchik), Esabila C. Marak (Nokchik), Waibin N. Sangma (Nokchik), and Boston C. Marak (Nokchik).

The villagers described the charges as “unjust, uncalled for, and deeply distressing,” asserting that the case has been deliberately framed to malign innocent community members.

At the heart of the dispute lies a site known locally as Chibilbang, an approximately 2,800-foot quarry area. Villagers clarified that the land in question had been legally sold on December 18, 2010, and was never designated for any form of scientific mining. They further emphasized that the officially approved site for scientific mining lies in a completely different location at “Guang Dare”, not within Paromgre A·king.

“We wish to make it absolutely clear that the quarry in question is not the one approved for scientific mining,” the villagers declared in their statement. “We firmly oppose any unauthorized or illegal mining operations within our A·king land. Such acts, if carried out without consent or environmental clearance, are a direct violation of both traditional rights and environmental laws.”

The residents expressed strong resentment over what they describe as an attempt to misrepresent facts and criminalize legitimate landowners and community leaders.

They called upon the district administration and concerned authorities to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the FIR and to take appropriate measures to ensure justice and transparency.

The villagers further appealed to the media fraternity and Civil Society Organizations to highlight the truth of the matter, alleging that the complaint is being misused as a tool of harassment and intimidation. “We want the people of Garo Hills and Meghalaya to know that these accusations are false. Our community stands united in the face of such injustice and demands that the truth be made public,” the statement read.

Paromgre, known for its rich natural resources and ecological sensitivity, has recently been under the spotlight due to rising concerns over illegal and unauthorized mining activities in South Garo Hills. Community leaders have repeatedly cautioned that unregulated mining poses a grave threat to local ecosystems, water bodies, and traditional livelihoods.

The villagers reaffirmed their collective commitment to protecting community land, preserving environmental integrity, and maintaining peaceful coexistence, while also warning that any further attempts to malign or criminalize innocent residents will be met with lawful resistance and public mobilization.

As of the time of reporting, District Authorities have not issued any official clarification, regarding the allegations or the disputed mining site. The matter, however, continues to draw public attention, with environmental and social organizations expected to take up the issue in the coming days.