Shillong, Jul 6: Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Urban Affairs, Sniawbhalang Dhar, today said the state government is aiming to take a long-awaited final decision on the proposed relocation of residents from Harijan Colony at Them Ïewmawlong before the end of July.
Speaking to reporters, Dhar said the government is awaiting one final round of discussions before assessing the latest developments and arriving at a conclusive report on the matter.
“We are targeting the end of this month. One more meeting is yet to be held, after which we will review the complete report and have a clearer picture,” he said.
The issue has been dragging on interminably for years; it is now eight years ago that riotous violence targetting the residents erupted in Shillong after an argument between residents there and local Khasis went out of control.
Dhar said that one of the proposals under consideration is seeking land from the defence authorities to facilitate the relocation of the colony’s inhabitants, who largely, but not exclusively work for the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) as street sweepers and garbage collection workers. He said discussions have already taken place at different levels, and the government is now waiting for a response from the military authorities.
“We are awaiting the outcome of the discussions between the officials and the defence authorities. Hopefully, by the end of this month, I will be in a position to update everyone on the latest status regarding the Harijan Colony (as Them Ïewmawlong is commonly known) issue,” Dhar said.
On the question of how much land the government would require, Dhar clarified that no formal request has been made yet as detailed discussions with the defence authorities are still pending.
“We have not specified any land requirement because the discussions have to take place first. If they agree in principle, only then will we indicate how much land is needed. We have already identified two to three possible locations, but no indication has come from the defence so far. The Chief Minister has also held two to three meetings with the Union Defence Minister on the issue,” he added.
Dhar, however, declined to give a timeline for the completion of the process, saying the next course of action would depend on the outcome of the discussions.
Asked about the government’s previously prepared blueprint for the relocation exercise, the Deputy CM said the plan remains valid, even as the government explores the possibility of securing defence land.
“The blueprint remains in place. At the same time, we now have another option through the defence. Both possibilities are open. If Plan A does not materialise, we can proceed with Plan B. The government will decide the best way forward,” he said.
The other proposal is to move the residents near the SMB office in the European Ward. However, rehousing them on unutilised land in the Shillong Cantonment would be nearer to their present location.
