Rajnath Singh assures action on Them Iew Mawlong relocation, Shillong Cantonment issues after BJP meet

SHILLONG, JUN 21: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has assured Meghalaya BJP leaders that concerns raised by them regarding the relocation of the Dalit Sikh community from Them Iew Mawlong and unresolved land matters in Shillong Cantonment will be taken up for early resolution.

A delegation led by State BJP President Rikman Momin, accompanied by District Presidents from East Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi, called on Singh during his Shillong visit and highlighted issues that have remained pending for years.

Momin told the Defence Minister that an amicable settlement on Them Iew Mawlong was critical for social harmony in the state and would be viewed positively in the context of the Centre’s engagement with tribal communities.

East Khasi Hills District President Priambada Blah said the state has been working toward a resolution, and that decisive action now would reinforce trust among the Khasi-Jaintia people.

She expressed hope that the matter could be settled during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s current tenure.

The delegation also flagged administrative delays in Shillong Cantonment.

State Vice President Bipen Pradhan urged the Ministry to implement building bye-laws and finalize the new land policy stalled since 2017.

According to him, the interim policy under STR has inflated land rent for residents by nearly 1,000 times, and prolonging it further risks legal disputes.

Shillong City President Bob Lyngdoh sought clearance for defence land needed to expand the road from Barik Point to Jhalupara, calling it essential for decongesting a key stretch of the city.

Listening to the representations, Singh said the Ministry would examine each issue and coordinate with relevant authorities to find workable solutions at the earliest.

Also Read: Mawsynram records 526 mm rainfall; IMD warns of more extreme rain across Meghalaya

Also awatch

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Kuki CSOs enforce emergency highway shutdown, allege selective security operations in Manipur