SHILLONG:
Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) president Robertjune Kharjahrin, on April 26, said that the government should take possession of the property and evict the illegal settlers at Them Iew Mawlong once and for all in order to resolve the relocation issue.
“We expected the MDA I government to finish the work, as it has been long overdue and we cannot hide from the fact that one of the reasons that slowed the process is the 2-3 pending civil suits before the Meghalaya High Court,” Kharjahrin said.
The HYC chairman emphasised the history of the relocation process and questioned the claims over the land made by the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) employees, while also asking the government if the SMB actually owns the area.
The government had previously claimed that the land is divided between Hima Mylliem and the SMB, but later Hima Mylliem transferred ownership of the land to the SMB for the benefit of bringing developmental projects, making it public property.
“What is preventing the government from ending the negotiations and starting the eviction process if the land is owned by the SMB and Hima Mylliem?” Kharjahrin questioned.
Furthermore, he asked how can government employees demand buildings and land.
“Even IAS officers had to purchase land from the government because nothing could be given away for free,” he said.
“The government failed from the beginning. The way it is negotiating, it looks as though they are negotiating with the owners of the land,” Kharjahrin added.
The HYC chief also said that if negotiations fail, the government’s sole option is to take back the property and drive the illegal settlers out. If the employees retaliate, the government’s service regulations may be implemented.
“If rent allowances are given to all government workers, why is it so difficult for these people? Are they the youngest child? Are they nephews and nieces of ministers that we should give special considerations to them?” he asked.
The government has given the workers chances since day one, but all of the negotiations have backfired, according to Kharjahrin, who also claimed that because the land belongs to the public, the government should work to develop it for the benefit of the general public.
“These workers think they are celebrities and they need a red carpet everywhere they go,” he said.
Lastly, the government should resort to the eviction process as a plan B, since the residents of the Harijan Colony rejected the government’s proposal.
He continued, “It is not about putting a show of force, but rather about abiding by the law.”