Meghalaya Dy.CM asks illegal settlers to shift from Sweeper’s Colony

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 2, 2019

SHILLONG: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Tuesday asked “illegal” settlers to consider shifting on their own from the Sweeper’s Colony at Them Iew Mawlong following the recent order passed by the Meghalaya High Court.

“It is good that they (illegal settlers) shift by themselves. I request those who do not have proper papers it is good to leave the place find out alternatives. If you have a better place please shift if you don’t have a better place be ready to have a better place or shift from that place,” he said.

Tynsong, who is also heading the High Level Committee (HLC) constituted by the state government to find feasible solution for the relocation of the Sweeper’s Colony, also alleged that the illegal settlers are influencing the genuine residents to defy the notices issued by the municipal board.

The Meghalaya High Court in its order passed on June 28, while hearing a review petition filed by the state government on the issue had stated: “However, it is directed that the occupants/residents of the concerned area shall cooperate in furnishing the requisite information to the State.”

The Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) based on the direction of the HLC had on May 31, served notices to over 300 households of the Sweeper’s Colony directing them to furnish documents before the board’s office within a month’s time, which will expire on July 3.

Tynsong said the notice by the SMB is not only for the government employees but it is (mainly) for those people who does not work in any government offices.

On the decision of the National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) to recommend state government not to relocate the residents, he said, “There are many commissions and that is their views only but it is up to the state government (to decide).”

“We are not going to throw them out or not to treat them as animals they are human beings like us they are our own brothers and sisters so the inventorization is for their own interest and safety that is the reality. But it seems those who do not have proper documents, they are the ones who influenced other people who are genuine settlers,” he added.

Hailing the court’s directive on the issue, the deputy chief minister said, “The direction of the High Court shows that the state government is doing the right thing because every citizen be it in the state or nation as a whole, we have every right to ask them to furnish all the detail information but these people instead of doing that they are going to the court to put pressure on the government that they are exempted from that, which I am telling you is illegal, as they cannot do that.”

“Time and again I have requested them do not engage yourself by going here and there as government is your protector and that government is not your enemy. That is why we need to get their documents because that area is like a slum. In other states, you will not get even to talk when the government decides but we here we are lenient by requesting their cooperation but they refused to do so. If they don’t want I have nothing to comment on this but it only proves that even the judiciary agrees that yes you are bound to furnish your details. They may say the notices by the SMB is illegal but the Court came out heavily on them by saying that you have to do it and now am sure they understand the ground reality, not only in Meghalaya but anywhere you stay in any state or Union Territory, you cannot reside without proper documents,” he said.

Asked whether the government would consider giving more time to the residents to submit their papers, Tynsong however said the decision will be taken by the HLC during its meeting to be held on July 4.

“Let the HLC sit and decide what is to be done on this regard,” he said.

Earlier during the hearing, the Advocate General appearing on behalf of the state government informed the Court that certain information is required from the occupants/residents of the concerned area to establish their rights, if any.

The AG also stated that inspite of various requests made to them, the requisite information has not been supplied, which was refuted by the counsel representing the Harijan Panchayat Committee and others.

The notice by the SMB had stated that the object of collecting information as to the number of persons residing in Sweeper’s Colony and also their duration of occupation of stay is to prepare both long term and short term policy for resolving long pending issue pertaining to Sweeper’s Colony.

As per the inventory report submitted to the HLC, a total of 184 employees and their families have been identified as legal settlers. These include families of 128 employees of the SMB and 56 others who are working in the different government departments.