Shillong, Nov 4: The confrontation between the state government and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) came to a head today as officials from the former broke open the locks that had been used to seal the Shillong Peak Ropeway project site office.
Police, working under the orders of Executive Magistrates and the District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills, broke open the locks at around 11am today. The KHADC had locked the site on October 27 on the grounds that the company implementing the project did not have a trading licence. However, the Tourism Department termed the council’s action inappropriate as the land belongs to the state government and only preparatory work and not trade was being carried out by the company.
The KHADC defied orders from the government to break the seals and return seized items. The Tourism Department then wrote to the District Magistrate, who ordered the breaking of the locks.
Meanwhile, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) against the project has rejected allegations that political parties were involved in mobilising women from Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun.
Clarifying the allegations today, JAC member Olivia Mawlong stated that the claims were baseless and a fabrication. She said that ever since the JAC came forward to oppose the project, its sole objective has been to protect the environment and Shillong Peak and not to serve any political agenda.
At the same time, Mawlong clarified that the JAC’s visit to the KHADC to submit a memorandum was not due to any alleged association with the Voice of the People Party (VPP) but because the KHADC is the governing authority empowered to look into matters concerning the project.
Meanwhile, she also strongly condemned the actions of the state government for breaking open the locks installed by the KHADC at the entrance gate of the project site at Madan Laban.
The JAC has appealed to traditional leaders or Riat Laban to withdraw the permissions they have given to the project. It also questioned the Chief Minister’s claims that the project will lead to job creation.
Furthermore, the JAC wrote to the government to state that it will not attend yet another meeting called for by the authorities tomorrow on the subject.
In its letter, the JAC said its primary and non-negotiable demand remains immediate cancellation of the project at its current site at Lum Shyllong and its relocation to an alternative site.
Regarding the meeting scheduled for Thursday, the JAC said it is submitting the letter as its official response in lieu of physical attendance. While acknowledging the government’s invitation, it said participating in further discussions would be unproductive.
The Tourism Department held another round of consultations with members of the public today at the State Convention Centre to address concerns raised by various stakeholders and provide further clarity on the project.
