Meghalaya: Newly-constituted high level committee begins work on rehabilitation

SHILLONG, June 7, 2018: A committee was constituted by the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government on Monday to study the nitty-gritty of the issue and suggest measures for a permanent solution.

The high-level committee is headed by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong. Other members include urban affairs minister Hamletson Dohling, health minister A.L. Hek, home minister James K. Sangma, sports minister Banteidor Lyngdoh and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) chief executive member P.N. Syiem. Commissioner and secretary D.P. Wahlang is the member secretary of the committee.

The first meeting, chaired by Tynsong, was held in the main secretariat here, where the committee decided to seek all relevant documents in connection with the issue.

The departments involved in the exercise include urban affairs department, Shillong municipal board, KHADC and other agencies.

Tynsong told reporters that the committee has requested the relevant departments to share details, including court cases.

"We want to have the details within a week, so that the committee can meet again and complete the exercise at the earliest," Tynsong said.

The terms of reference of the high-level committee is to examine all relevant records and documents and recommend feasible solution on the issue.

The committee shall submit its recommendations to the government at the earliest.

The issue has been pending for many years and the governments in the past have not been able to resolve the matter. Asked if the violent agitation that erupted in the city over the issue has political colour, Tynsong said he would not like to comment on the issue, and said, "Our intention is clear as we want to find a solution and solve this issue permanently."

Violent protest erupted at Motphran and Mawkhar area following an exchange of words between a bus driver and a lady residing at Them ïew Mawlong on May 31 over the parking of a bus.

National Commission for Minorities member Manjit Singh Rai will submit a report on the prevailing situation in the city to the panel in view of the demand for finding a permanent solution to the rehabilitation of settlers in Them ïew Mawlong.

Rai, who arrived here on Tuesday, met Meghalaya chief minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday. The chief minister assured him that government machinery was in place to ensure safety and security of all citizens.

Rai told reporters later that the situation in Shillong was under control and it will be normal within a few days. He said the people are living peacefully in Them ïew Mawlong. He said he would submit his report to the commission on Thursday.

Rai reviewed law and order with chief secretary Yeshi Tsering, principal secretary (home) M.S. Rao and director-general of police S.B. Singh.

Rai visited Them ïew Mawlong on Wednesday and said a small altercation had taken place in the area but "mischievous people" created rumours and disturbed peace. He said the Sikhs have been living in the area for more than 100 years, and it is not feasible to relocate them.

On Wednesday, people were seen rushing to markets, including in Motphran area as the curfew was relaxed from 7am to noon in areas under Lumdiengjri police station such as Jaiaw, Mawkhar, Umsohsun, Riatsamthiah, Wahingdoh, Mission, Mawprem, Lumdiengjri, Lamavilla, Qualapatty, Wahthapbru, Sunny Hill, Cantonment and Mawlong Hat, including cantonment beat house areas (excluding localities beyond Umshyrpi bridge). However, not many shops opened at ïewduh, the biggest market here.

TNT News with inputs from The Telegraph

Image Courtesy: UB