Shillong, June 21: Meghalaya BJP leaders were assured by Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh of looking into their concern regarding relocation of the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong and unresolved land matters in Shillong Cantonment for their early resolution.
The defence minister was apprised of the long-pending issues by a BJP delegation led by State BJP president Rikman Momin, accompanied by district presidents from East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi.
According to the state BJP, Momin told the Defence Minister that an amicable settlement on Them Iew Mawlong was critical for social harmony in the state and would be viewed positively in the context of the Centre’s engagement with tribal communities.
BJP East Khasi Hills district president Priambada Blah said the state has been working toward a resolution, and that decisive action now would reinforce trust among the Khasi-Jaintia people.
She expressed hope that the matter could be settled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s current tenure.
The delegation also flagged administrative delays in Shillong Cantonment.
BJP State vice-president Bipen Pradhan urged the Ministry to implement building bye-laws and finalise the new land policy stalled since 2017.
According to him, the interim policy under STR has inflated land rent for residents by nearly 1,000 times, and prolonging it further risks legal disputes.
BJP Shillong City president Bob Lyngdoh sought clearance for defence land needed to expand the road from Barik Point to Jhalupara, calling it essential for decongesting a key stretch of the city.
Listening to the representations, Singh said the Ministry would examine each issue and coordinate with relevant authorities to find workable solutions at the earliest.
