NGOs ask govt not to delay shifting of Sweeper’s Colony

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 17, 2019

SHILLONG: NGOs have asked the state government not to play with the sentiments of the people by delaying in shifting the Sweeper’s Colony from Them Iew Mawlong. 

“We are still waiting for the state government with regards to this issue as it cannot play with the sentiments of the people,” president of the Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) Wellbirth Rani said. 

He was speaking at a function organized by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) to observe the 184^th death anniversary of legendary Khasi freedom fighter – U Tirot Sing Syiem here in the city on Wednesday. 

Rani also said the residents of the area cannot claim rights over the land as it does not belong to them adding “You have to shift from there.” 

In his speech, KSU president Lambok Starwell Marngar has warned the state government of the consequences if the matter is further delayed.

It may be mentioned here that the High Level Committee (HLC) was constituted by the state government to find a feasible solution for the relocation of the Sweeper’s Colony from the area following the last year’s violent protest. 

The HLC headed by the deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong has recently decided to give another 30 days’ time to the residents to furnish their documents as part of the inventorisation following an order passed by the Meghalaya High Court. However, the Shillong Municipal Board is yet to serve fresh notices on this regard.