Nongpoh, Jun 30: The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Monday halted the ongoing construction of a food court at Umling, asserting that the site was originally intended for the creation of a facilitation centre aimed at monitoring the movement of individuals entering Meghalaya.
The union alleged that the government has shifted its initial plan for the facilitation centre to now prioritise the food court project instead.
A delegation from KSU, which included vice-president Pynkmen Sanmiet, earlier met with Ri Bhoi’s tourist officer, Bansynshar Nongkynrih, seeking clarity on this sudden change. Thereafter, the union members proceeded to Umling to halt the construction.
The KSU said it will not allow the project to continue unless the government first implements the proposed facilitation centre.
Sanmiet highlighted the government’s prior announcement regarding the establishment of a facilitation centre at Umling back in 2020. He told reporters that the centre, as part of the Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Act (MRSSA), was anticipated to aid in managing the flow of people into the state.
The KSU’s disappointment stems from learning that the site’s purpose transitioned from a facilitation centre to a food court, undermining the expected regulatory measures.
Sanmiet said the KSU is not against the food court, but rather a need for the government to fulfil their original commitment before introducing other developments.
