SHILLONG, APR 25: The residents of Sweepers’ Colony have demanded the state government to provide 10 acres of land within the European ward besides bearing the cost of construction of their homes in order for them to vacate from Them Iew Mawlong.
“In exchange of our land at Them Iew Mawlong (3.33 acres), we want the state government to give us 10 acres of land so that each of the 342 families will get 200 square metre,” Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) secretary Gurjit Singh told reporters after a meeting with the government on Monday.
“The government has agreed to accommodate all the 342 families at the European ward. We have made it clear that we are not against relocation but if the government wants to relocate us, they have to take the HPC demands into consideration,” he said.
Singh informed that the state government will soon take up the proposal before the cabinet for its decision on the demands of the HPC.
He said the place will be decided by the state government adding “We have asked the cost of the construction of houses as the quarters constructed by the municipal board earlier all those are damaged.”
When asked, Singh said that the land at Them Iew Mawlong does not belong to the Hima Mylliem.
“The Hima Mylliem has given the land to us before 1853. That’s why for such a long time our community has been residing there,” he said.
Asked as to why they were not part of the agreement signed between Hima Mylliem and the state government, the HPC leader however said, “In 2008, the Syiem of Mylliem has given them written document that this land has been given to our community by the Syiem of Mylliem before 1853. Even the court will agree on the written document of 2008.”
He also questioned the decision of the government to pay Rs 2 crore to the Hima Mylliem and said, “For what they pay Rs 2 crore and why. Government has wasted four years rather they should have spoken to us directly, the solution could have been found. However, now the government has come to us and we are positive in this regard that we also want permanent settlement.”
Singh further maintained that they have nothing to do with the government employees, who want to settle in the official quarters. “Our concern is the colony and we are fighting for a permanent settlement,” he s”id.
He also alleged that the government was responsible for making Sweeper’s Colony a slum by neglecting the residents and failing to provide facilities to them.
“No permission was granted for construction of houses nor NOC for electricity connection, water is a great problem,” he said adding “Had government granted permission to us, then slums would not have been created. Now also I told the Government that if you want to remove us for creating slums, we agree to renovate and do away with slums, you just give us permission.”
By Our Reporter
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