Shillong, May 9: The Synjuk Ki Nongsynshar Shnong Upper Shillong and two pressure groups have come out in opposition to a proposal to grant a portion of government land to a private petrol pump owner by way of compensation.
The government wants the land that the Anjalee petrol pump sits on for a road project that includes widening and the building of a flyover in the area.
To compensate, the government is proposing to offer the owner of the pump land owned by the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department, which falls in the area under the Mawklot and Sanmer Dorbar Shnong. The land is 13,500 sq feet in size.
The pressure groups want to know from the government why such a large plot is being given to the pump owner when the Anjalee property is not more than 2,000 sq feet.
“We understand the need for a flyover, four-lane road and the problem of traffic jams, but why can’t the government pay the compensation like it usually does instead of providing special treatment in this case to a non-Khasi?” one of the pressure group leaders said.
Those opposed are worried that such an action would set a negative precedent in other cases. They also accused the government of favouring outsiders and even turning a blind eye to illegal settlers on state property.