The State government is determined to solve the relocation issue of the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) and a meeting between the two sides is expected to be held next week.
“I think more or less within this year we should be able to resolve,” Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar told media persons here today.
Asked if the State government has had any meeting with the HPC anytime recently, Dhar said, “We are yet to have. Maybe next week we may call them if they are ready. From our side we are ready to show them the formula.”
On the request of the HPC for additional space at the proposed relocation site at Bivar Road, Dhar said that the State government is yet to talk to them on that and if the request is genuine the government will listen or otherwise.
Informing that the relocation blueprint remains unchanged, he however said, “Government blueprint is government blueprint, so no change. Maybe when we discuss something arises with understanding.”
On the observation of the Meghalaya High Court that the issue is dragging on and not reaching a conclusion, Dhar said “Obviously it will take time. The issue has lasted for the last 50 years plus and we are just five and half years in the government.”
The Meghalaya High Court had earlier observed that the the matter of proposed relocation of the 342 families from Harijan colony at Them Ïew Mawlong has dragged on for “far too long”.
