SHILLONG, APR 26: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Friday demanded the immediate eviction of illegal settlers residing within the jurisdiction of the Shillong Cantonment Board.

This came a day after the organization had conducted a spot inquiry on the existence of illegal settlement of people within the jurisdiction of the Board located opposite the Fire and Emergency Station, Iewduh (Bara Bazar), Shillong after receiving several complaints from the general public.

A memorandum in this regard was submitted by delegation of the HYC to the SCB chief executive officer (CEO) during a meeting held today.

“We met the CEO with a demand that prompt action be taken to evict these illegal settlers and demolish the settlement by the board,” HYC president Roykupar Synrem told reporters after the meeting.

He however informed, “During the meeting, the CEO informed us that the particular plot of land although it falls under the SCB but the authority which looks after this land is the defence establishment officer, whose main office is located in Guwahati. The CEO has also informed us that there is a litigation going on with this particular plot of land but then he doesn’t know the exact status of the case.”

“Accordingly, we have requested the CEO to reply to our letter on what steps need to be taken henceforth so that we will know whom to approach and he has assured us that he will reply to our letter. Based on his reply, HYC will take necessary steps to ensure that these illegal settlers are evicted at the earliest possible,” Synrem added.

During the inspection on Thursday, the HYC found that about 80-100 households were staying in the said plot of land by constructing huts made of plastics and other scrap materials. Further on enquiry, the HYC also came to learn that these people were illegally staying there without any permission from the Cantonment Board or any other authority.

The HYC said that the condition of the place is deplorable and unfit for human habitation and is an eyesore for the city of Shillong and the State as a whole.

“We were also informed that this place is a hub of illegal activities like supply and trafficking of illicit drugs in the city and also a safe haven for illegal immigrants from other countries,” Synrem said while also expressing shock as to how the Authority concern kept a blind eye to the existence of such an illegal settlement right in the middle of the city.

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