Ronnie sees MUDA solution in talks, not public meet

SHILLONG: Urban Affairs Minister and MLA of Mylliem constituency Ronnie Lyngdoh asserted that the right approach to address issues or problems is to sit across the table rather than find the solution at a public gathering.
He was reacting to a query on the public hearing called by the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong, Upper Shillong (SNSUS) to decide whether to accept or reject the implementation of Meghalaya Urban Affairs Authority (MUDA) Building bye-laws in the 12 villages of Upper Shillong.
He stated that it is “alright” for traditional heads to hold a public meeting as they may want to know public opinion.
“But ultimately to find answers to address the issues are basically across the table with representatives of villages affected and then arrive at a solution,” he added.
Maintaining that representatives of the villages can meet him and discuss over the problems, he said, “In a huge gathering, how do you find solution?”
As for the allegations of MUDA encroaching upon the Upper Shillong areas which is a Scheduled area with the implementation of Building bye-laws, Lyngdoh said that any law enacted is ensured to not trouble people in any way.
Asserting that MUDA is concerned only with the implementation of Building bye-laws, he said, “No other issues are being taken up by MUDA in those areas except the implementation of Building bye laws.”
“In no way is MUDA or Municipality taking up any other activity except that of building bye laws. If people do not want it, we are not going to enforce it forcibly,” he added.
It may be mentioned that SNSUS will organize a public hearing on August 26 to discuss on the encroachment of MUDA wherein a resolution will be taken regarding MUDA issue at football ground, Umlyngka.
Local representatives, Lyngdoh and MDC Teilinia Thangkhiew, Syiem of Hima Mylliem, traditional leaders of Laitkor, Mawlai, Mawpat (Shilliang Umkhen) are being invited to attend the public hearing.