Govt action will be based on HLC report, says Conrad

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Wednesday said there have been lots of claims and counter claims which complicate the current imbroglio of the Harijan Colony.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme on Wednesday, Sangma said gathering of correct facts/figures is the fulcrum of the High Level Committee chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, to find a permanent solution to the issue.
He said, “The High Level Committee has been going into the details of all the records and that is why we are surveying the locations.”
The chief minister informed that detailed work is in progress and it is being done very diligently. He added that it would be inappropriate for him to comment on the matter before the Committee submits its report.
“We need to realise that there is a problem and that it has been there for the past 20-30 years. But we are firm on finding a permanent solution to this issue because it is an issue that has been pending for too long and we need to resolve it. That is why, the government is working on it and once the report is finalised we will take a call,” Sangma said.
Asked, if there will be any addition to the terms of reference of the High Level Committee, he said the government will ensure that all stakeholders are consulted before arriving at a decision.
“We will speak to all the groups. This has to be a participatory decision making. We will consult everybody and hear everybody out. But regarding the way forward on this issue it would be inappropriate for me to say anything unless the Committee completes its work and has everything on record”, he said.
The terms of reference of the Committee is to examine all relevant records and documents relating to the relocation of the Sweepers’ Colony, Sweeper Lane and Mawlong Hat.
The Committee shall recommend practically feasible solution(s) for relocation of the said colony.