Shillong , July 19: A delegation of the Dorbar Shnong of Mawbah along with local MLA Mohendro Rapsang on Tuesday meet the Deputy CM Prestone Tynsong to express opposition on the plan of the state government to provide 3 acres of land in Mawbah for relocation of the Harijaan residents (Sweeper Colony residents) from Them Iew Mawlong.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Headman of Mawbah, David Syiemlieh, said the Dorbar Shnong had called for a meeting of the people and a decision was taken to oppose the plan of the state government to provide 3 acres of land for relocation of the people from Them Iew Mawlong.
“In the meeting, we have listened to the voices of the people of Mawbah and a unanimous decision was taken to oppose the move of the government to allocate 3 acre of land near the R.P. Chest hospital in Mawbah,” said Syiemlieh.
He said there are various reasons why the Dorbar Shnong is opposed the relocation plan, and one of the reasons is that the area is already very populated.
He added that till date there are approximately 14,000 plus population in Mawbah and if the state government shifts another three hundred plus families in the locality, the area will be congested, which will make life hard for all the resident residing in the area.
When asked on the assurance of deputy chief minister, Syiemlieh said the minister had informed the delegation that the final decision has not been taken to allocate land to the Harijan community and Mawbah is one of such localities in Shillong which the state government had identified.
Meanwhile, local MLA Mohendro Rapsang said that the people of Mawbah have nothing against the Harijan community but the main reason to oppose the move of the state government is because the area is already congested.
“Everyone knows that Mawbah is one of the densely populated locality in Shillong, hence, accommodating another three hundred plus families in the locality will not be possible,” he said.
Rapsang said that being the people’s representative, he stands with the people and the Dorbar Shnong of Mawbah and since the Dorbar Shnong had already taken the decision to oppose the move, he will abide by the decision of the people.
