Shillong, Oct 29: In a major development on the row over shifting of Harijan Colony, Meghalaya government on Friday took possession of the land at Iew Mawlong that currently houses the colony.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong informed that the state government has taken over the land after premium of over Rs 2 crore was paid to the Syiem of Mylliem.

This comes after signing of a tripartite lease deed between the government of Meghalaya, the Syiem of Hima Mylliem and Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) on March 31, 2021.

On the plans of the government with the piece of land, Tynsong stated that beautification of the area will be done once the Harijan Colony is relocated from Them Iew Mawlong.

“Beautification has to happen. The urban affairs department will workout whether they will convert it into a shopping mall or parking lot. Certainly the urban affairs department are examining this issue,” he said.

On questions of the Gurudwara and a school in the area, he said he will be able to tell about them at a later stage.

On the High Court’s order to maintain status quo on the issue, Tynsong said, “No. I will not tell you anything about the Court but you need to understand one thing since possession of the land is being taken over so you understand what next to be done, leave aside the ruling of the judiciary, as any can challenge in the court and we are also there to defend it in the court so why should I detail you about this – let the concerned party go to the court and we are also defending ourselves in the court.”

Meanwhile, the deputy chief minister assured that there will be no law and order problem arising from the issue.

“We will assure you that there will be no law and order problem. You have every right to come. We welcome any delegation (from outside), the government will explain to them the actuality and I am sure they will understand what the stand of the government is,” he stated.