Lanong blames media for ‘distorting statement’
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Following widespread criticism from social organisations over a recent statement by Bindo M Lanong that land acquisition was not a hurdle in the State, the Deputy Chief Minister on Wednesday denied having made any such statement and instead blamed a section of the print media for distorting his actual statement.
Lanong had, during the recent ‘investors’ meet’ in the city, stated that when investment is flowing into the State there would be no issues of land allocation for large, medium and small scale industries.
Clarifying on his own statement on Wednesday, Lanong said land acquisition for investors is not an issue only land owned by the State Government. He also clarified that the statement he had made during the investors’ meet organised by the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) was meant to dispel investors’ concern on the issue of land acquisition in the State.
“During the meet, most investors raised questions that acquiring land for industrial development has always been a hurdle in the State. However, I assured them that the government has set up industrial estates to facilitate industrialisation in the State and accommodations have been allotted to registered industrial units,” Lanong clarified to reporters on Wednesday.
“The government is engaged in acquiring land and keen to attract investors. My explanation to the investors on that day was to drive away their concern,” he claimed, while adding that the government has also decided in principle to go for land acquisition so that it does not pose any hurdles for investors.
He also cited New Shillong Township where land has been acquired by the State government and allotted to some departments to facilitate setting up of various institutions including government offices, IIM and others.
The Deputy Chief Minister also sought to dispel concerns expressed by the Social Organisations of Meghalaya Against Land Alienation (SOMALA) who had reacted strongly against his statement.
“There is no reason to worry as the government will not violate or deviate away from the Land Transfer Act. We cannot go against the government policy and the Land Transer Act should be strong,” Lanong said.