Nongrum slams Govt for lack of seriousness to relocate residents from Them Iew Mawlong

Opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator from North Shillong Adelbert Nongrum on Tuesday slammed the NPP-led MDA government for its failure to immediately relocate the residents of Sweepers’ Colony from Them Iew Mawlong.

“I want to send a clear message to the MDA government that despite five years have lapsed you have failed to resolve the issue. This is a clear reflection of the lack of seriousness and irresponsible attitude on the part of those who are claiming to be leaders of the state,” Nongrum said.

“There has been undue delay to relocate the residents from the area. It is not that I am against the residents but the living condition in Them Iew Mawlong is not at all healthy. I want to remind that it is the duty of the state government to take immediate steps to resolve the issue as delaying is denying justice. Therefore, I demand the government to immediately relocate the residents from Them Iew Mawlong,” he said.

This came following a recent incident at a restaurant near Them Iew Mawlong.

“Them Iew Mawlong falls under my constituency and that is why I have every right to intervene, I have every right to express with authority and responsibility. I cannot just keep silent on the incident, which took place on April 20 at a restaurant named Saw Aiom, where the residents of Them Iew Mawlong attempted to create law and order with an intention to repeat the 2018 protest incident. The residents of Them Iew Mawlong went to the said restaurant with the intention of eating free of cost, which is not acceptable at all. I thank the police for taking swift action and bringing the situation under control. But the police department should not only take swift action but it should maintain law and order. It should assure that law is equal to all. There should not be any biases so that it will build the confidence of the people in the police department,” Nongrum said..

Further, the VPP MLA said, “It is embarrassing that the Meghalaya High Court had to intervene in this issue because of the failure and weakness of the MDA government. The government should take responsibility for the delay as it has become a problem creator instead of problem solver.”

According to him, the government’s decision to continue to impose a barricade on the road leading to Them Iew Mawlong has contributed to huge traffic jams in the city.