Shillong, Dec 17: Villagers affected by the NH-217 road widening project in East Garo Hills have alleged that crucial government notices were never communicated to them in time, further exposing serious lapses on the part of the local administration.
Residents say they came to know about the November 17, 2025 Public Notice issued by the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue), as well as the appointment of an arbitrator, only weeks after the notifications were officially issued.
Affected shopkeepers and landowners in Rongjeng and Rongmil areas said neither village-level meetings nor clear written communications were made to explain the implications of the notices. Many families continued to approach the district offices seeking clarity on compensation, unaware that the administration had already closed its doors to local grievances by directing all disputes to arbitration.
The delayed flow of information has intensified fear and anger among villagers, who say the administration appears more interested in enforcing possession than ensuring informed consent. “If these notices were so important, why were we not informed properly and on time?” questioned a resident of Rongjeng Bazar, adding that learning about such decisions weeks later has left people feeling deliberately sidelined.
At Rongjeng Bazar, where several ancestral shops face demolition, trader MG Momin said the lack of timely information has worsened the crisis. “We did not know about the notice or the arbitrator until much later. By then, the tone of the notice made it clear that the government had already decided to take our land, whether we agree or not. The compensation offered is too small, and now we are told our only option is arbitration, without any guidance,” he said.
Social activist Cherian G Momin said the manner in which the notices were handled reflects administrative arrogance. “The Public Notice of 17 November 2025 is written in a threatening tone, and on top of that, people were informed late. This is not governance; it is intimidation by silence and delay,” he said.
Echoing similar concerns, shop and property owner Shamina N Sangma said the delayed communication has cost villagers valuable time. “For nearly a year, we have been running from pillar to post. Now we learn—weeks later—that an arbitrator was already appointed. This delay has pushed us further into uncertainty. We want early justice, not endless procedures,” she said.
Villagers allege that the local administration’s failure to promptly and clearly communicate such critical decisions has deepened the trust deficit surrounding the NH-217 project. As resistance grows in parts of East Garo Hills, many now fear that development is being imposed at the cost of transparency, fairness, and basic administrative responsibility.
