GTCgate: DC to mediate

SHILONG: The East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner P S Dkhar will hold a meeting with the officers of 58 Gorkha Training Centre (GTC) on Friday to discuss the stand-off between the Mawshbuit villagers and the army personnel following the closure of the entry through GTC.
Home Minister Roshan Warjri informed this in the Assembly on Thursday after the leader of the Opposition Donkupar Roy, soon after the Question Hour, brought to the notice of the House the reported  confrontation between people of the area and the personnel of GTC on Wednesday.
While Roy raised the issue quoting rules seeking action and a statement from the Home Minister, the Assembly Speaker AT Mondal said that prior notice should be issued so that the matter can come up in the form of a call attention motion.
However, the Chief Minister intervened and said that the Home Minister can make a suo-motu statement as it is an important matter.
Later, making a statement at the end of the session, the Home Minister said that on March 16, 10 am, the residents of Mawshbuit gathered at 58 GTC protesting the closure of entry through GTC.
Following the incident, the state government directed the district administration to take necessary action and the Additional District Magistrate, Deputy Superintendent of Police and others were sent to the spot.
The Home Minister said that earlier, the residents had provided the list of vehicles for entry through the gate, but the vehicles coming from outside the areas were subjected to checking.
The officials of 58 GTC had cited security reasons after Pathankot incident for the restriction.
“However, the government has directed the East Khasi Hills district administration to call a meeting with the officers of 58 GTC , and accordingly the matter will be discussed on Friday during the meeting”, Warjri said.
According to the Home Minister, the government is following up the matter as it is an issue of public importance.