CM annoyed over Dhar’s reply on road closure at Shillong Peak
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Mukul Sangma was furious on Monday in Assembly with the reply of PWD (roads) Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on the issues related to denial of entry of people to Shillong peak by the Air Force.
In his reply to a question by Titosstarwell Chyne (UDP), the Minister said that it was a fact that the approach road to Shillong Peak view point has been closed for the public.
However, what annoyed the Chief Minister was the reply of the Minister that no reason has been assigned by the Air Force authority regarding the closure of the road to view point.
While intervening, the Chief Minister said, “It is not a fact that the Air Force had not informed about the development.”
“I will see that the Minister gives a correct reply tomorrow”, the Chief Minister informed the House.
It may be mentioned that the Defence authorities had cited the Pathankot incident of intrusion by Pakistani terrorists as the reason for the closure of the road.
According to the Chief Minister, the PWD should have asked the district administration about the status of the matter “as it pertains to law and order situation in the state”.
Immediately, Independent legislator John Leslee Sangma (Independent) asked whether there was any gap between the Chief Minister and PWD Minister.
In response, the Chief Minister said that what was expected from the PWD was to seek the relevant information regarding the matter from the district administration and the department did not do so, thereby giving misleading information.
“Hence the Minister will come up with a relevant reply tomorrow”, the Chief Minister said.
Raising a supplementary question, Ardent Basaiawmoit (HSPDP) said the road leading to Shillong peak belongs to the PWD not the Air Force
The legislator wanted to know why Air Force has to deny entry to people as the road belonged to PWD.
To this, the Speaker AT Mondal said that the Minster should examine the matter.
Earlier, to another supplementary question, the Minister said that he was not aware of any alternate road proposed by the PWD.
The Minister, however, said that the department will sit together with other line departments to discuss about the alternate road.