By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The government on Thursday informed the State Assembly that it has initiated several steps for the retransfer of ‘unused’ defence land of 2096.12 acres scattered in parts of the city for the use of civilians.
Replying to a question posed by Paul Lyngdoh (UDP), the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister RC Laloo said a committee, headed by Chief Minister had been constituted by the Government to pursue the matter and the committee had already held two sittings.
The Government is examining several stretches of defence land at Happy Valley, Kench’s Trace firing range, Laitkor, Shillong Cantonment, Mawpat and Laitumkhrah.
Laloo informed that the issue of retransfer of defence land was raised from time to time with the Centre and the process of discussion with the representatives of local defence authorities was on.
“Another committee headed by an official of the Political Affairs Department has been asked to report back to the Government by December 21 on the status of steps taken so far by the Government,” Laloo said.
Lyngdoh reminded that a resolution was adopted by the House during the last session and there is an urgent need to address the matter at the earliest.
Congress member Sayeedullah Nongrum said the Government was making only promises to get the defence land and he wanted to know when will the Garrison Ground will be handed over to the Government .
HS Lyngdoh (HSPDP) also asked the Government to speed up the matter since it has been pending for a long time.
The Leader of Opposition Conrad Sangma pointed out that no Opposition member was included in the Committee headed by the Chief Minister.
Laloo said that various points raised by the members will be taken into consideration.