Shillong:
The relocation of the residents of Them Iew Mawlong will be as per the recommendations of the High-Level Committee, informed the government on April 13.
Speaking to the press post a meeting with the members of the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC), deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong said that the next meeting with the HPC is scheduled for April 25, wherein elaborate discussion on the status of the relocation will be made.
“I have told them candidly that the relocation has to take place as per the recommendation of the High-Level Committee. We also apprised them that alternative places for the relocation are also being considered by the government. It doesn’t have to be one place; it can be different places,” Tynsong said.
The deputy chief minister, however, didn’t clarify whether an alternate place has been considered for the relocation, but said that the government is on the job and has directed the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and the Urban Affairs department to scout for land in this regard.
“Let the Shillong Municipal Board and by the Urban Affairs department submit their detailed reports. Only then, I will be able to tell you where the location is,” he told the press.
He also informed that he has requested the HPC members to deliberate these developments with their community before the discussion on April 25. “This is in compliance with the High Court order,” he said.
Tynsong also informed that 342 households will be relocated from Them Iew Mawlong. “The 342 households are all employees and they also include the existing strength and people who have been employees for 10-15 years and their children, as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, HPC chairman Gurjit Singh told the press that the government has assured them to provide a permanent land within the European ward.
“However, we have not been told where this location is. The government has again called us on April 25 to discuss the matter,” he informed.
Singh further informed that they have decided to call for a general body meeting of the HPC to discuss the outcome of today’s meeting. “We will take everyone’s views and will meet the government again on April 25 and convey our final decision,” he said.
The HPC chairman further added that the general body meeting will also discuss the issue of places of worship in the area as they cannot be relocated.