East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, Sibhi C. Sadhu has called for a meeting tomorrow to discuss the issues related to illegal settlements on Cantonment Land at Lum Survey here.
The meeting will bring together key stakeholders, including the Superintendent of Police of East Khasi Hills, the Chief Executive Officer of the Shillong Cantonment Board, the Defence Estate Officer from Guwahati, the Secretary of the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority, the Chief Executive Officer of the Shillong Municipal Board, and representatives from the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC).
The meeting aims to find a resolution to the escalating tensions and address the legal and social implications of the demolitions and settlements.
During the meeting, the Defence Estate Officer, Guwahati is expected to submit a detailed survey report in regards to the plot of land at Lum Survey including the status of the title suit over the land.
The meeting comes in the wake of a police case registered against the HYC at Shillong Sadar police station for the “unauthorised” demolition of around 80 houses built by the settlers at Lum Survey on May 23.
The police case was registered against HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem, vice president Donbok Kharlyngdoh, assistant general secretary Isaac Basaiawmoit and several unidentified individuals.
It may be mentioned that the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has intervened in the matter after the evicted residents called for help.
The MHRC took suo motu cognisance of the matter based on a news report in a local English newspaper.
The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, demanding a detailed report on the matter by May 30.
Recently, the deputy commissioner had said that initially, there was a title suit for the land at Lum Survey and it was given in favour of the Defence Estate Office. He however said when the defence authority issued an eviction notice, some of the settlers went to court and the court issued a stay order that eviction has to be followed as per law.
He said the latest hearing was held in December 2023 and the court had fixed May 27 as the next date of hearing the matter.
