Shillong, Mar 26: Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Friday said the state government welcomes the decision of the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) to negotiate for relocation of the Sweeper’s Colony from Them Iew Mawlong.

“Once the formality is done we are ready to sit down across the table because relocation has to happen,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong told reporters.

He however said that the state government is still waiting for the official order from the Meghalaya High Court on the matter.

Tynsong further stated that the government has no option but to ensure relocation takes place at the earliest considering the fact that the place is not liveable from the aspect of health safety of the citizens who are residing there at present.

“The condition of the place is very dirty and it is more than a slum and it is not safe especially for children and elderly people,” Tynsong said.