SHILLONG: The HSPDP has slammed the State Government for taking a U-turn on its commitment to call the proscribed HNLC for a dialogue.
Taking exception to the attitude of the State Government HSPDP vice president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said, “The decision of the government not to engage with the HNLC, despite the fact that the latter has repeatedly expressed its desire to have an unconditional dialogue only shows the lack of sincerity on the part of the government.”
“The claim of the government that the HNLC is presently weak and has few members and hence there is no need to invite them for talk is not acceptable,” he added.
Basaiawmoit felt that the government was betraying the people of the State and Khasi Hills region in particular by not living up to its commitment made on the floor of the House to bring the HNLC to the negotiating table.
Move to expand MUDA jurisdiction opposed
Basaiawmoit said that the party is also concerned about the notification issued by the government recently in connection with the extension of areas under the jurisdiction of MUDA.
“We fail to understand as to why the government wants to rush through this exercise. As a party we don’t any urgent need to bring more areas under MUDA,” he said.
According to him, the State Government should first provide all the basic amenities to the people in those areas.
“Looking at the present living conditions of the people in areas outside municipality we feel that the decision of the government in this regard is uncalled for. We fully understand that there is a need to ensure that construction of houses and buildings must be allowed only after fulfilling the criteria and norms laid down in the Meghalaya building bye-laws. However, the party feels that there are other methods to implement it,” the HSPDP vice president said.
The HSPDP asked the Government to keep in abeyance the order of MUDA.
