Shillong, Sept 15: Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek on Tuesday opposed the proposed relocation of the Gurudwara from Harijan Colony, saying the place of worship should remain at its present location even as the government is working on relocating eligible residents.
The BJP leader said a place of worship should not be treated in the same manner as residential structures and that all faiths must be respected.
“If they say they want to shift, we don’t want to shift that Gurudwara. A place of worship is a place of worship. We must respect each and every faith,” he said.
According to the MLA, the relocation of government employees residing in the colony should be prioritised instead. He recalled that during his tenure as Health Minister, he had offered to accommodate Health Department employees living in Them Metor in government quarters.
“We were ready then and we are ready even now,” h e said.
Hek said the proposed relocation of 342 families should be limited to those still serving in government departments, including the Municipal Administration, Health and other departments.
He also said the government could explore securing land from the Defence Ministry to accommodate eligible government employees.
Demands of 8 UDP MLAs in line with party agenda: Minister
Meanwhile, Hek on Tuesday said the demands of the eight UDP MLAs willing to merge with the BJP aligns with the party’s agenda for the state.
The UDP MLAs have reportedly linked their merger proposal to implementation of ILP, inclusion of Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule and other safeguards.
Supporting their stand, Hek said, “For the interest of the State and the indigenous people, I appreciate the issues brought up by them. We too have raised these issues earlier to get them implemented.”
Suggesting a way forward on ILP, he said enforcement of MRSSA can be considered as an immediate step.
“As of now, if ILP is not possible, give MRSSA which can be implemented now, there is no problem at all,” he said.
On the long-pending demand for Khasi language recognition, Hek said there is no legal hurdle.
“As far as Khasi language is concerned, there is no problem, it is qualified. It can be passed in the cabinet and the House to recognize it in the Eighth Schedule, there is no problem at all,” he said.
