Anomalies in land acquisition for cemetery comes to fore

SHILLONG: The members of various church denominations have revealed that they purchased the forest land at Mawpat (Law Syiem) for converting it into a cemetery and in the process the names of three Myntris have emerged who were allegedly involved in the land dealings.
A meeting to discuss the land deal was held between the representatives of as many as 40 church bodies and the Myntris of Hima Mylliem on Friday. The meeting was convened by acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Ricky Nelson Syiem.
During the meeting, it emerged that the Executive Dorbar under the leadership of suspended Syiem Latho Manik Syiem acquired the land at Mawpat through a gift deed. Later, the same was acquired by the churches for cemetery.
Speaking to reporters, a church leader from Mawlai, Dr BR Kharlukhi alleged that Rs 6 lakh was handed over to the then Executive Dorbar for 44100 square feet of land at Mawpat for converting it into a graveyard.
“They informed us that Rs 20 lakh should be given if the land is to be used by us. We expressed our inability to do so and they reduced it to Rs 18 lakh,” another church leader said.
Ricky Nelson Syiem alleged that there was no maintenance of cash record of the sale and this revealed their corrupt activities. Another meeting will be convened to take strong action against the erring Myntris based on witnesses and the previous Myntris will be called for explanation, he added.