‘Hidden agenda’ behind Harijan’s opposition against relocation: UDP

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 14, 2019

SHILLONG: The United Democratic Party (UDP) on Friday suspected a “hidden agenda” behind the opposition of the residents of Harijan Colony against the move to relocate them from Them Iew Mawlong. 

“You should also put this question to them (Harijans) as to what is the hidden agenda behind their intention to stay there,” UDP senior working president Bindo M Lanong told reporters here. 

This also came a day after the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has demanded the state government to allow the Harijan people to construct proper shelters instead of relocating them from the area.  

The state government however had expressed strong determination to relocate the residents of Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong here on the ground that the place is not fit for human habitation. 

Lauding the decision of the government, Lanong said, “It is not a question of depriving them a place to stay but it is to provide a better place for them. In fact you are going to be provided a better place and a better environment.” 

According to him, the present location where these people are residing is a commercial area and it has become very congested as well. He said relocation of the Harijan colony will be good for the residents and for everyone. 

On the other hand, the general secretary of the party Jemino Mawthoh recalled that following the protest by the Joint Action Committee of Social Organizations (JACSO) in 1996, the state government had agreed to shift the Sweeper’s Colony and had constructed the Shillong Municipal Board quarters. 

“However what is the reason behind the failure to shift them to these quarters is still a big question,” Mawthoh said while adding “It is not about discrimination but it is about relocating them.”