SHILLONG, OCT 28: The Joint Action Committee against the Shillong Ropeway Project on Wednesday demanded scrapping of the sanads of Rangbah Shnongs involved in the project, accusing them of betraying the residents.
“We came to meet the Syiem of Hima Mylliem. We have met him as members of the Joint Action Committee and also representing the residents of the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun. We have given a strong message to the Syiem that he should scrap all the sanads of these Rangbah Shnongs who are involved in the Shillong Ropeway project because they have betrayed the residents of the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun,” JAC president Deborah Marbaniang said.
She said the Shillong Viewpoint is a community land and the headmen are only custodians.
“These Rangbah Shnongs have been confirmed through the sanad of the Syiem and the Dorbar Hima Mylliem and in that sanad it is ordered that they should not misuse the land because the Shillong Viewpoint is a public property, a community land, and the owners are the residents of Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun. The sanad gives them the right to be only custodians to look after and maintain the place, but they have no right to auction, sell, buy or lease the land,” Marbaniang said.
She said the Dorbar has assured to withdraw the land lease agreement signed with the government.
“Earlier we met the president and secretary of the Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun and they gave a very clear message that they will withdraw the land lease agreement. Today they said they will call a meeting and give us in black and white, in writing, that they will withdraw it. We are waiting for that,” she said.
Marbaniang warned of continued agitation if the project is not scrapped.
“We have strongly requested the Rangbah Shnongs to withdraw the land lease agreement and to scrap this project, and the government should also scrap this project. That is our message and if you do not scrap this project, the JAC will not remain silent,” she added.
By Our Reporter
