SHILLONG: The thorny issue of Harijan Colony in Them Iew Mawlong area here, which has been hanging fire for the past two years, seems unlikely to see an early resolution.
There have been some progress so far but then there are several other intervening actions that remain to be completed before the government can come out with its final verdict.
The sub-committee, which was formed to examine the situation on the ground, has nearly completed its task. It is expected to submit its report to the high-level committee (HLC) for a possible solution to the complex task of relocating the Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong.
The sub-committee is headed by Urban Affairs Minister Hamletson Dohling, and it is nearly two years since the government formed the HLC to figure out a solution to this problem.
Dohling, on Tuesday, told reporters that the sub-committee will have its final sitting next week before submitting its recommendations to the HLC.
The HLC had constituted the sub-committee to look into the differences between the state government and the Hima Mylliem regarding the land in dispute where the colony is located.
The minister pointed out that submission of the report has been delayed since everyone was fully engaged in combating COVID-19.
As per the inventory report submitted by the board to the HLC, a total of 184 employees and their families have been identified as legal settlers, including families of 128 employees of the Shillong Municipal Board and 56 others who are working in different government departments.
“The sub-committee had been able to resolve the differences which were between the government and the Hima Mylliem,” the minister said. He also appreciated the cooperation of the Acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem, Ainam Manik Syiem and KHADC Executive Member in-charge Elaka, Jambor War towards resolving the differences.
Dohling said that the HLC will examine the recommendations of the sub-committee before finally submitting its report to the state government.
“We expect the HLC to incorporate the recommendations made by the sub-committee,” he said.
The HLC is mandated with the responsibility of examining all relevant records and documents relating to the residents of Harijan Colony and recommend ways and means for their relocation.