KSU opposes ‘Govt bid to hand over land to EAC’

SHILLONG: The KSU has alleged that the State Government has allotted 18 acres of land which fall under catchment area to the India Air Force for converting it into a golf course.
Opposing the alleged move, the KSU Upper Shillong circle claimed that the decision to allot the land to the Eastern Air Command was taken during the plenary meeting of the Rajya Sabha Board (RJB) chaired by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma on December 4, 2014.
“The land in question belongs to the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department,” KSU Upper Shillong Circle vice president, Shngaiñlang Sohkhlet said while speaking to newsmen here on Friday adding that the Union is surprised by the double-standard adopted by the State Government which talks about acquisition of private land for protection of catchment areas.
Referring to the statement of Forest and Environment Minister, Prestone Tynsong on the plan of the State Government to acquire over 1000 acres of private land under the catchment areas, he said that the minister should be opposing the move since the land which is proposed to be handed over to the defence authorities falls under catchment area.
“We will not allow the Government to hand over this land at any cost. We will not hesitate to agitate if the Government does not reconsider its decision,” Sohkhlet said.
The KSU leader also claimed that the Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department has also opposed the proposed move of the government.
“During our meeting with the Deputy Director of the department it was informed that the department too was opposing the plan of the government to give the land which houses the farm of the department and is required for various activities,” the KSU leader said.
Earlier, the Indian Air Force had expressed keen interest in setting up a disaster management centre and required at least 18 acres of land for this purpose. This proposal came up for discussion during the 19th Annual Rajya Sainik Board meeting chaired by the Chief Minister who is also the president of the board.
Rajya Sainik Board secretary, WJB Sturgeon had informed that the Air Force wants to set up the disaster management centre adjacent to the Eastern Air Command’s headquarters in Upper Shillong area.