Lawsohtun Dorbar flags encroachment

SHILLONG, Aug 4: The Dorbar Shnong of Lawsohtun on Friday met East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah and sought measures to thwart encroachment and construction illegal structures at Mahadev Khola Dham in Lower Lawsohtun.
This meeting came a day after the KSU Laban Circle carried out a joint inspection with officials of the Forest department at the well-known temple.
The KSU Laban Circle has demanded the eviction of illegal settlers and demolition of all illegal structures in the area.
Talking to reporters, Rangbah Shnong of Lawsohtun, Harrybirth Rynjah, claimed that the temple is known for rampant unlawful activities due to the presence of illegal settlers.
Claiming that the area falls under Lawsohtun Dorbar, Rynjah said that a notification issued by the DC dated September 25, 2014, clearly states that Mahadev Khola falls under a locality which is adjacent to Lawsohtun, and also under the jurisdiction of the Forest department.
He said that the DC was requested to direct the temple management to take steps to curb the alleged prevalence of unlawful activities in the area, adding that it is a much-needed move for the safety of the people.
Meanwhile, the Rangbah Shnong said that the Dorbar extends support to KSU Laban Circle which has opposed the application sent by the authority management of Mahadev Khola to the Forest department to convert the area into a residential complex and construct a guesthouse.
Rynjah said they will oppose such a move.
“We will not want to see another Them Iew Mawlong in the area,” the Lawsohtun Rangbah Shnong said.
According to him, the DC has said that she would take up the matter with the concerned department.
“We have also agreed in the meeting to set up a joint committee to deliberate over this issue,” Rynjah said.