A BJP delegation led by South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai, BJP state president Rikman G Momin, BJP state vice-president and Tura MDC Bernard Marak and others met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on Tuesday and discussed the issue of land acquisition of areas under the direct control of the Defence Ministry within Shillong city, a move that it is believed will help in traffic decongestion.
Major areas like the Lady Keane Road towards Police Bazar, Shillong Peak Road, Umpling Bridge Road towards Chief Engineer’s Office and footpath near Anjali Cinema Hall are all accessible through parts that are under the jurisdiction of the Defence Ministry.
Shullai said that if they allow these roads to be used for civilian vehicular movement, with proper boundary demarcation and fencing, then it can go a long way in easing the traffic situation. He also said that several defence properties, like the one near Umsohsun towards Rhino Junction can be used for creating a parking lot, thereby reducing traffic jams near Khyndailad.
The MLA also said that land near Anjali Cantonment Beat House can be used for vehicle parking and a complex for hawkers can be created for locals. Land acquisition can be done against payment as per land compensation rules of the Defence Ministry.
Shullai said that Singh has assured that he will look into the matter and the state BJP will keep pursuing this until the issue is resolved. The BJP delegation also apprised the minister regarding the fencing of land near Rhino Point by the defence authorities. The minister has agreed to look into the matter and has asked for submission of a detailed representation regarding the problem faced by the civilians.
The BJP delegation will soon meet the Meghalaya Chief Minister and request the state government to form a committee that will look into such acquisition of defence land within Shillong city.
