Shillong, Dec 5: The Hynñiewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has expressed its continuing disappointment and anger over the supposed illegal settlements at Lum Survey here, which it blames on what it calls the inaction of the Meghalaya government and Defence Estate Officer.
The pressure group alleged that this place has long been recognised as a centre of illicit and anti-social activities, particularly drug trafficking.
The HYC said that despite repeated complaints, memoranda and demands placed before the competent authorities, no visible or concrete action has been taken to dismantle illegal structures to curb the rampant drug trade and other illegal activities flourishing in the area. The HYC has even at times resorted to its own demolition drive of the settlements there, for which it had no legal authority.
“How many more youths must fall victim to drugs before the government opens its eyes?” the HYC asked the state government. According to the HYC, various jurisdictional excuses between the state administration and defence authorities have only led to years of neglect and decay.
The HYC said that both authorities are fully aware of the illegal occupation of the land and the criminal networks operating there — yet, instead of resolving the issue, they have allowed matters to deteriorate to an unacceptable level.
“When authorities look away, criminals grow stronger. Lum Survey has become proof of government failure,” the pressure group added.
It also said that if the state government and Defence Estate Office continue to ignore these urgent concerns the HYC will take necessary actions until every illegal settlement is cleared and the drug network at Lum Survey is dismantled once and for all.
