Relocation of 342 Harijan families
Shillong, Sept 9: Even as there seems to be no end to discussions over settlement of the issue of relocation of Harijan Colony in the city, the state government has asserted its commitment to resolving the long-pending issue sooner or later.
“The government is fully committed to resolve the issue,” said deputy chief minister Sniawbhalang Dhar while admitting the delay due to repeated extension sought by Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) to clear its stand on vital matters.
“During the last meeting, HPC requested 15 more days, which we granted. Then they asked for additional time until the last week of September,” Dhar said.
The government’s relocation plan involves providing 3.6 acres of land for resettlement, including 2.14 acres within the existing Shillong Municipal Board premises and an additional 1.4 acres opposite the current colony at Them Iew Mawlong.
The HPC had initially rejected the government’s proposal for relocation, but agreed to it with some modifications during High Court hearing in June 2023.
Relocation of the 342 families at Harijan Colony has been at the centre of discussions for years, but recent developments suggest progress towards a resolution may finally be in sight.
Meanwhile, the deputy chief minister rejected an allegation that HPC’s repeated requests for extension was a delaying tactic.
“This is not a delaying tactic,” he said.
The Meghalaya High Court in July 2023 expressed concern over continued delay in resolving the vexed issue that even led to communal tension and violence in the state.
The government will be represented by the chief secretary in the next meeting with the HPC.
