SHILLONG:Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) president Lambok Marngar has called upon the state government to commit to its task of finding solution to the contentious issue of Harijan Colony (Them Metor) which has remained pending for one year.
It may be mentioned that the KSU along with many other pressure groups had demanded the relocation of the residents of Harijan Colony last year.
Referring to the Harijan Colony during the observation of the 184th death anniversary of Tirot Sing Syiem, he said, “The state government should be wary lest the Them (the plains) will be converted to a Lum (a hill).”
President of Federation of Khasi Jaintia Garo People, Wellbirth Rani said the organizations was adopting a wait and watch policy over contentious issue of Harijan Colony.
“We are waiting for the government’s move on Them Metor. The sentiments of the people cannot be played with,” he said adding that the land at Harijan Colony is part and parcel of the indigenous community and does not belong to any other community.
As for the entry and exit point, he said the pro-ILP organizations were not satisfied with only the Umling entry and exit point, the government should also start with the entry and exit points at Athiabari (West Khasi Hills), Malidor and Ratacherra (both in East Jaintia Hills).
No permission for trading license
In the wake of criticism over organizations conducting inspections, Marngar asserted that the pressure groups do not need permission from anyone to conduct inspections.
“A clear message to the members of the organization and other organizations is we don’t need permission from A or B to carry out inspections. We will intensify the inspection of trading license and there is no need for permission,” he said.
It may be mentioned that the union has time and again raised the apprehension of the presence of people who do not possess trading licenses from the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).