SHILLONG: The state government, after four back-to-back meetings on Monday, decided to constitute a high-level committee to find out a permanent solution to the trouble over relocating residents of Punjabi Lane (Them Iew Mawlong).
The decision was taken during talks with political parties, MDA coalition partners, traditional leaders and even hawkers.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma told media persons here on Monday that his deputy, Prestone Tynsong, will head the committee and other members will include Urban Affairs Minister Hamlet Dohling, Home Minister James Sangma, Health Minister A.L Hek, Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh and KHADC chief executive member P.N Syiem.
The chairman of the committee may co-opt other members as maybe necessary.
The member secretary of the committee is DP Wahlang.
The terms of reference of the committee is to examine all relevant records and documents relating to the relocation of the Sweepers’ Colony, Sweepers’ Lane and Mawlong Haat and to recommend practically feasible solutions for the relocation.
The chief minister also met headmen and Ka Synjuk Ki Nong Synshar Shnong and also the hawkers’ association, all of whom expressed concern over the present situation and urged the chief minister to find a lasting solution.
Conrad said work has already started and the government has asked the Urban Affairs Department to submit a report about the current position of the Sweepers’ Colony, the legal aspect, past history and other issues such as authorised and unauthorised occupants of the colony to the high-level committee.
Reiterating that the government is committed to solving the issue, Conrad added that solution to the problems is not on the streets but on the table and the government is ready for talks on this.
Conrad also appealed to the agitators to stop their protests since the four days of agitation have financially and economically affected the working class like farmers, taxi drivers, daily labourers and shopkeepers.
It was also informed in the press briefing that one person identified as B Masi who was involved in the initial skirmish at Punjabi Lane has been arrested and police is preparing the charge-sheet against the arrested person.