HLC asks SMB to restart investory survey at Them Iewmawlong

**Deputy chief minister and chairman of the High Level Committee (HLC) Prestone Tynsong addresses media persons after the meeting held here on Thursday**

SHILLONG, AUG 9: The High Level Committee (HLC) constituted by the state government to find a permanent solution for relocation of the residents at Them Iewmalong today asked the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) to restart the inventory survey to identify legal and illegal settlers in the area.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting of the committee held here on Thursday, deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong said, “We have instructed the SMB restart the inventory survey in the area.”

Tynsong, who is also heading the committee as its chairman, said that the government is very much concern about the employees who have been staying in the area for the past many years.

Asked, he informed that as per record there are a total of 128 employees of the Shillong Municipal Board who are residing at Them Iewmawlong.

Earlier during the survey conducted by the SMB, most of the residents of the area have failed to cooperate with the officials of the Board by locking their houses.

When enquired as to how many illegal settlers have been identified so far, the HLC chairman however said, “I cannot say as of now because the inventory survey is yet to be completed.”

Meanwhile, Tynsong further informed that the committee has also directed concerned departments to furnish more documents relating to the matter.

“We have discussed various important issues and have decided that need further clarification and documents to be furnished by the departments which include Directorate of Land Records & Survey, SMB, Urban Affairs and Hima Mylliem,” he said.

Refusing to give any further comment by citing that the matter is also lying pending before the Court, the deputy chief minister however said, “We want to ensure that the task entrusted to us by the government is completed.”

Earlier last month, the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) had filed a petition before the Meghalaya High Court seeking the quashment of the notification for constitution of the High Level Committee (HLC).

It may be mentioned here that the High Level Committee was constituted by the state government to find a permanent solution to the demand to shift the settlers residing in the area following the violent protest which started from May 31 to June 5.

By Our Reporter