KSU demands eviction of illegal settlers from Maxwelton Estate

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 1, 2022

The Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on Thursday demanded the state government to immediately evict the “illegal settlers” from the Maxwelton Estate, which is a 9 acres of land falling under the jurisdiction of the dorbar shnong of Kenches Trace Oxford Rilbong (KOR) here.

In a petition to the East Khasi Hills deputy commissioner I Laloo, President of the KSU Laban Circle Reuben Najiar said, “…the Union would humbly like to request your intervention for removal and eviction of such illegal settlers who has violated various laws and to bring proper law and order in the area so that any mishap can be prevented and security and safety of the locality and the society as a whole can be ensured.”

He alleged that the huge numbers of illegal settlers are settling in the area without the consent or approval of the Dorbar Shnong or any appropriate authority for that matter.

“These illegal settlers are migrating into the area unchecked and over the years they have built sheds and huts and have no proper sanitation and all the waste are being disposed into streams and open pits which has caused various health issues to the genuine neighbouring residents,” Najiar said.

He added moreover, these illegal settlers even breed cattle and other livestock in Maxwelton Estate even though it falls under the Municipal Area and is under the jurisdiction of the Shillong Municipal Board which violates the provisions and rules of Meghalaya Municipal Act but their action is being condone and goes unnoticed.

He however alleged that no action has been taken in this regard despite a complaint being lodged by the Union with Shillong Municipal Board.

Najiar further expressed regrets that the area is gradually being converted into an area of criminal transaction and misconduct which in a manner is being sponsored and supported by these illegal settlers.

“Over the years, there have been many unlawful cases which have been reported. This area has become a bliss for prostitution, smuggling and peddling of narcotics and drugs substances, robbery and dacoity which has made the area very unsafe for women and children and the locality as a whole,” he stated in the letter.

Meanwhile, the KSU Laban Circle also expressed concern against the alleged encroachment of the Indian Army in Lawsohtun Block – VI.

Najiar said time and again it is seen that the armed forces disturb and interrupt the movement of the locals in the area placing barricades and unnecessary detention of the locals beyond the jurisdiction of the Army.

Also requesting the DC’s intervention into this matter, the KSU leader said that the canvas and writing in the roads leading to Lawsohtun which deemed it to be as defence land should be erased since the road has been constructed and maintained by the PWD and land in actual belongs to the Dorbar and the state government.