Shillong, Dec 12: Following the government’s decision to allocate an additional 1.4 acres of land for the relocation of 342 Harijan families from Themïewmawlong, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded clear clarification regarding the composition of these families—specifically, how many are employees of the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and how many are employed in other departments.
Speaking to reporters, HYC President Roykupar Synrem expressed that the council has always been opposed to the government’s intention to provide housing to illegal settlers within the Harijan colony. Synrem highlighted the plight of many Khasi residents lacking proper land for housing and questioned whether the government would address their needs as well.
Synrem revealed that the council plans to conduct independent surveys to ascertain the employment status of the 342 families. The aim is to ensure that only legitimate SMB employees receive necessary housing as part of the relocation process.
He further raised concerns about the uncertainty surrounding whether the government intends to grant the land permanently to the Harijan community or simply designate it as official quarters for SMB employees and other government departments. Synrem criticised the need to give them a special treat as he noted that these employees have already received ‘Housing Allowance’.
Lastly, Synrem criticised the government’s approach, highlighting a disparity in dealing with illegal settlers in other areas—where forces were employed for eviction—while the Harijan community seemingly dictated terms to the government according to their preferences.
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