Meghalaya: NHRC members arrive in Shillong to take stock of Sweeper’s Lane imbroglio

By Our Reporter, TNT News | Shillong, June 26, 2018:

Following complaints lodged by the Delhi based organisation, the three-member delegation of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) today visited the Sweeper's Lane at Them Iew Mawlong in Shillong and held meeting with the leaders of the Sikh community residing in the area.

The members of the commission who arrived in the city on Monday night also recorded the statement of the residents of the Sweeper's Lane.

"We have come here as per the directive of the commission," a member of the commission told newsmen while refusing to divulge the details of the meeting. He also informed that they will be here for three days. The three-member delegation also met officials of the East Khasi Hills district administration along with the district police.

Official sources said that the members are also likely to meet the three minors who were assaulted at Them Iew Mawlong on May 31.

It may be mentioned that the assault on the three minor boys by some men residing in Them Iew Mawlong had triggered a violent clash between the protestors and the security forces and Shillong witnessed a volatile situation  for five days with unruly mob demanding shifting of settlers from Them Iew Mawlong.

RELATED NEWS | Meghalaya: Lack of cooperation from Sweeper's Lane residents derail survey process

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said that the High Level Committee will try its best o find out a permanent solution for relocation of the residents from Them Iew Mawlong.

While asserting that the question of injustice to any community does not rise, he said that the Government is committed to protect the interest of everyone.

"It is the responsibility of the Government to do justice  to all," Tynsong said. He further said that the Committee would meet once it gets the report of the fresh land survey and also the inventory survey by the Shillong Municipal Board.

Meanwhile, KHNAM legislator from North Shillong, Adelbert Nongrum has suggested the state government to consider asking the different departments to take the responsibility of their own employees, who are residing at Them Iew Mawlong.

In a memorandum submitted to the Deputy Chief Minister, Nongrum said that most of the residents residing in this area are mainly employed with the Shillong Municipal Board and other departments as well.

"I feel all the concerned departments should take responsibility of their own employees and relocate them to their respective quarters so that the illegal settlers can be removed from the area in discussion for development of the entire Iewduh market" he said.

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