Stalling relocation talks Harijan Panchayat Committee accuses govt

Shillong: The Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) has accused the Meghalaya government of derailing relocation discussions for Harijan Colony settlers, citing the sudden introduction of demolition plans for a Gurdwara and temple in the area.

According to HPC secretary Gurjit Singh, the relocation matter was nearing resolution when the government unexpectedly raised the issue of demolishing the religious institutions.

Singh emphasized that the demolition of these structures is unacceptable.

The relocation plan, initiated after violent clashes in 2018, aimed to move 342 families from Them Iew Mawlong to the Shillong Municipal Board premises on Bivar Road.

The government initially offered 2.14 acres of land, in addition to the existing 1.4 acres opposite the Municipal Board’s building.

However, HPC demanded 200 square meters of land per family within the European Ward, outside the Sixth Schedule’s ambit.

Meanwhile, the state government acquired 12,444.13 square meters of land at Harijan Colony for Rs 2 crore through a tripartite lease deed in March 2021.

Recently, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang proposed allotting land adjacent to Harijan Colony for relocation, with a formal letter sent to the Defence Secretary and a high-level meeting between Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the Union Defence Minister forthcoming.