SHILLONG, DEC 13: The Meghalaya government has slammed its counterpart in Punjab for taking decision based on “hearsay” even as it warned action against those involved in feeding wrong information with regards to the situation at Them Iew Mawlong.
“Government cannot act on hearsay. The Punjab government without verifying facts have taken such a decision which I feel will affect the sentiments of the people out here,” deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters here on Thursday.
He was strongly reacting to the Punjab government’s recent decision to extend Rs 60 lkah compensation to the Sikh community residing at Them Iew Mawlong against damage caused to their properties during violence in Shillong.
Out of the total amount, Rs 50 lakh would be provided to Khalsa Middle School in Bara Bazar for reconstruction.
Tynsong who is also heading the High Level Committee constituted by the government to find a feasible solution for the relocation of the sweepers’ colony expressed regret that the Punjab government has failed to consult with the state government.
“They should have consulted us because during the incident it is our police personnel who have been mostly injured during the incident,” he said while adding moreover the government had ensured no injury is caused to the residents at Them Iew Mawlong.
Alleging the Punjab government of attempting to play politics with religion, the deputy chief minister however said, “We want them to know that here in Meghalaya, we respect all religions as the spirit of the Constitution has to be adhered to.”
Stating the governments should respect each other, he said, “Government is government you cannot encroach or invade in our or us in your jurisdiction. Such kind of attitude cannot be accepted because it is not fair.”
He also expressed concern over the allegations that the school and gurudwara were also damaged during the violent protest in Shillong which according to him is totally fabricated and false.
Asked, Tynsong said instructions have been given to the police to find out the people involved in feeding wrong information on the matter.
Meanwhile, the deadline issued by the state government to settlers at Them Iew Mawlong to submit their documents and claims to the Shillong Municipal Board has expired on December 10.
However in compliance with the recent order of the Meghalaya High Court, the deputy chief minister said that the matter has been kept in abeyance for now.
It may be mentioned here that the high level committee was constituted by the government following the violent protest which erupted at Motphran and Mawkhar area and lasted for five days over the issue related to shifting of settlers from Them Iew Mawlong.
The violent agitation started following an exchange of words between a bus driver and a lady residing at Them Iew Mawlong on May 31 over the parking of a bus.
The altercation that led to the assault of the driver and two other persons by some men in the area, caused a volatile situation since May 31 night with unruly mob demanding shifting of settlers from Them ïew Mawlong.
Mob pelted stones at security personnel during the agitation while security forces resorted to firing of tear gas shells to disperse the agitated mob. This has led to the imposition of curfew by the district administration in the entire Shillong city for over 80 days.
The night curfew imposed since June 1 was only lifted on August 20 in view of the improvement of law and order situation in Shillong city.
By Our Reporter
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