Dy CM to call fresh meeting on relocation of Harijans

SHILLONG, June 28: With the state government’s initial plan of relocating the residents of Harijan Colony from Them Iew Mawlong to a plot of land behind the Reid Provincial Chest (TB) Hospital at Mawbah meeting with stiff resistance from the Dorbar Shnong of Mawbah and West Shillong legislator Mohendro Rapsang, the state government is now planning to hold a fresh meeting with the Urban Affairs department and other connected departments to discuss the matter.
“The Urban Affairs department is on the job. I will have one more meeting with all concerned departments. Thereafter, I will see whether the blueprint for relocation is ready or not,” Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said on Tuesday.
Asked whether the government has identified any fresh location to rehabilitate the residents of Harijan Colony, Tynsong refused to comment, saying that he will speak only after his meeting with the departments.
“Completing the relocation exercise will depend on a common decision agreed upon by the two parties,” he said, adding that the Urban Affairs department will prepare the blueprint once the government finalizes the land.
The residents had agreed to relocate from Them Iew Mawlong provided the government gives 200 square metres of land for each family in the European Ward and also bears the full cost of the construction of their houses.