KHNAM concern over interference by external forces on Sweeper’s Colony issue

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJune 17, 2019

SHILLONG: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has expressed concern over the interferences by “external forces” regarding the issue related to the Sweeper’s Colony at Them Iew Mawlong. 

“The interferences by these external forces without knowing the facts is not acceptable as this has misled many including the Centre and the minority commission,” KHNAM chief Pyndapborthiaw Saibon said in a statement issued  here on Monday. 

Stating that the area at Them Iew Mawlong is like a slum, Saibon said the move proposed by the state government is not to evict the Harijans but to relocate them to a better environment. 

“However, their (Harijans) opposition to this only shows that there is something behind which may be they want to claim their rights over the land which is totally against the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India and the state land transfer Act,” he said. 

The KHNAM chief also suggested the Punjab government, NHRC, Minority Commission and the Centre to inspect the living condition of the residents at Them Iew Mawlong since the place is not fit for human habitation.

Hailing the stand of the United Democratic Party (UDP) on the issue, Saibon said if the UDP, which is the main ally of the NPP-led MDA government, is really serious, the move to relocate the residents from the area can no doubt be achieved. 

“We also hope that the state government will soon be able to relocate the residents from Them Iew Mawlong for the interest of the state,” he said. 

According to him, the Hima Mylliem, District Council and the Municipal authority have committed a big mistake from the beginning till these people have dared to demand for permanent land documents from the state government.