TURA: Owing to the delay in finalising the exact location of the Jengjal Farmers’ Market, various organisations of Jengjal in West Garo Hills have lambasted the state government while accusing it of trying to secretly shift the facility from its original location.
A combination of organisations from the area comprising GSU, GSMC, ADE, FKJGP, AAYF, AHAM, AYWO, Mothers’ Union and the local Bazar Committee along with the general public on Monday issued a statement criticising the government for the delay in resolving the matter.
Earlier, the alleged shifting of the proposed Jengjal Farmers’ Market from its original site had evoked widespread condemnation from both the organisations and the general public. Several public meetings and rallies were also organised to pressurise the government.
The proposed project comes under Community and Rural Development (C&RD).
“During our meeting with the concerned C&RD official, we were assured that the site would be inspected within one week and after consultation with the public, all necessary works would begin. But now, it has been several months and we are yet to be intimated by the department on the matter,” AD Sangma, vice president of the combined organisations, said.
According to the organisations, a total amount of Rs 10 crore was sanctioned for the proposed project which at present is lying unutilised.
“Development funds from the Centre which is meant for the public must be utilised for their good. The proposed market must come up at the original site preferred by the public. We will never agree to its shifting and resort to large scale democratic agitation, if necessary,” they warned.
The organisations also criticised local representatives from the area for not speaking out and failing to take up the issue.