TURA: Disagreement over the site for the proposed polytechnic college in South Garo Hills is getting louder with two different groups of people fighting over where it should be set up.
While the Association for Democracy and Empowerment (ADE) from Gasuapara has begun mobilizing the people to demand that the project remains in Gasuapara, the Baghmara Citizens Forum (BCF) is of the view that the prestigious institution is set up at district headquarters, Baghmara.
On Monday, a meeting between ADE and the local people was held at Gasuapara Market where it was unanimously resolved to strongly oppose the shifting of the college to Baghmara.
“We object to the recent statement of the BCF that the setting up of a polytechnic college is not feasible at Gasuapara. We cannot allow the college to be shifted from our area and will do anything to retain it,” Ade President, Menward D Sangma said.
According to Sangma, as per the inquiry conducted by the association it was learnt that tender for the construction of the college has already been floated in Gasuapara. Sangma also said that Gasuapara Development Block which is easily reachable from other places also covers a large area beginning from Ruga to Sibbari which is why the project should remain in Gasuapara.
“In the past as well, many other development projects that were proposed at Gasuapara were diverted to other places. This time, we along with other NGOs, the local people, Nokmas and Sordars have resolved to fight against any move to shift the college,” Sangma said.
Meanwhile, the Baghmara Citizens Forum (BCF) on Tuesday also held a meeting on the matter at Rangku Memorial Secondary School in Baghmara. The meeting was attended by local residents and NGOs of the town.