SHILLONG, FEB 14: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) on Wednesday served a 15-day ultimatum to the state government to evict all illegal settlers and cattle breeders from Maxwelton Estate, a 9 acres of land at Laban.

In a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, president of the KSU Laban Circle Reuben Najiar said that there is a huge number of illegal settlers settling in the area without the consent or approval of the Dorbar Shnong Kenches Trace Oxford Rilbong or any appropriate authority for that matter.

He said these illegal settlers are migrating into the area unchecked leading to influx and security concerns for the society and community as a whole and over the years they have build sheds and huts and have no proper sanitation and all the waste are being disposed in to streams and open pit which has cause various health issues to the genuine neighbouring residents.

“Certain of these illegal settlers even breed cattle and other livestock in Maxwelton Estate even though it falls under the Municipal Area and is under the jurisdiction of the Shillong Municipal Board which violates the provisions and rules of Meghalaya Municipal Act, 1973 but their action is being condone without any effective measures,” Najiar said.

The KSU leader said that various complaints had been lodged by the union in this regard with Shillong Municipal Board to evict the illegal cattle breeders but the problems remain the same.

It stated that although the SMB have served notices in regards to cow sheds and direct discharges of wastes under various provisions of the Meghalaya Municipal Act, 1973 to these settlers and cattle breeders but till date there has been no eviction and the cattle breeders are thriving in the area and also the illegal settlers renting their houses without approval and consent from the respective authorities.

The Union claimed that this area is gradually being converted into an area of criminal transaction and misconduct which in a manner is being sponsored and supported by these illegal settlers.

“Over the years, there have been many unlawful cases which have been reported. This area has become a bliss for prostitution, smuggling and peddling of narcotics and drugs substances, robbery and dacoity which has made the area very unsafe for women and children and the locality as a whole”.

Meanwhile, the union has threatened to take action against such illegal activities if no concrete or solid action is taken by the appropriate authorities within 15 days.

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