The Dorbar Shnong of Mawshbuit village has contested the claim of the State government that the 600-meter stretch of road on the Happy Valley–Mawshbuit route, belongs to the defence authorities.
It may be mentioned that during the recently concluded Budget Session of the Meghalaya Assembly Deputy Chief Minister in charge PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynsong cited a 1972 notification which states the land belongs to the army.
The dorbar however said that it is impossible to accept the statement of the Deputy Chief Minister.
Emroy Nongdhar, Rangbah Shnong of Mawshbuit said that the village came into existence in the year 1867 but the army came in much later.
He said that the Assam Rifles, Assam Regiment and other units of the army have their own lands in the area which is fenced on both sides of the road along with gates even as he pointed out that only the Gorkha Training Centre has set up gate on the middle of the road which is a cause of tension between the army and the villagers.
Nongdhar also said that the members of the Dorbar Shnong will meet Shillong Lok Sabha MP, Ricky AJ Syngkon to urge him to take up the matter with New Delhi.
Others who were present at inspection were Riwinroy Kharbuli, president KSU Mawshbuit unit and Robert Kharumnuid, president HYC Mawshbuit unit.
