Shillong, Oct 19: The state government and the Harijan Panchayat Committee have been granted another month to arrive at an amicable solution to the dispute regarding relocation of the Harijan Colony as the Meghalaya High Court adjourned hearing of the case in this regard.
The two parties have been asked to explore settlement through negotiation and mediation for the proposed relocation of 342 families of Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong within the period.
The order was passed by the division bench comprising Chief Justice Soumen Sen and Justice W Diengdoh on Friday, after being informed that the parties had initiated the process of negotiation and mediation, and the dispute was likely to be settled.
“In view of the above, the matter stands adjourned till November 17, 2025. We hope and trust that within the aforesaid time, good sense shall prevail and the parties shall make earnest efforts to settle the disputes amicably,” the bench stated.
Notably, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Urban Affairs Sniawbhalang Dhar had on October 10, informed that the state government has identified few locations for the proposed relocation of Harijan colony.
“Discussions are on before finalising the new location. We are on the job, and you will know when we decide,” Dhar had said.
Regarding the ongoing talks with the defence ministry, Dhar had stated, “We are still in talks with them.”
He had expressed hope that the issue would be resolved mutually, despite the court proceedings.
