The Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) today carried out its own eviction of ‘illegal settlers’ and dismantled dwellings at Lum Survey area opposite the Ïewduh Fire and Emergency Station.
This came two weeks after no action was taken by authorities even after a joint inspection carried out with the East Khasi Hills district administration revealed that there were approximately 80 dwellings built on the land of the Defence Estate Office and Cantonment Board.
HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem, who led the eviction drive, said that the area is an epicentre of illegal activities and drug trafficking. He said since no action was taken by the district the group had to evict the settlers by requesting them to take their belongings and leave before members dismantled their dwellings.
A JCB was also stationed by the HYC at the site. However, it was not used as members of the group tear through the dwellings. Soon after police came to the site, but to ensure that no untoward incident took place.
“If these people continue to stay or if the government gives them permission to stay again then next time, we will bring four to five JCB to dismantle all illegal dwellings here,” Synrem said.
Synrem expressed displeasure that despite the presence of the district administration the pressure group had to take up the responsibility to dismantle the illegal structures. “So we have to do what we have to do. HYC will not depend on the government or any administration if we feel that it is something against the interest of the community, we will take the law into our hands, we will not wait for the government or any authority to take action,” he said.
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner SC Sadhu said a case has been registered against the HYC and appropriate action will be taken as per law.
He said that the district administration received information about the eviction at around 11 am. “We were not informed and we were not part of this process,” he told reporters in the evening.
The DC reiterated the area falls under the defence estate office of Guwahati. He said action will be initiated from their end and the district administration will extend its support in terms of law and order and others.
He also said a court hearing into the alleged settlement of illegal migrants at the Lum Survey area under Shillong Cantonment will be held on May 28.
Sadhu further appealed groups not to take law into their hands. “Instead of solving the problem it will bring complications. We are trying to fast track to find a solution to the problem,” he added.
