By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 12: VPP president and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on Tuesday led a group of villagers from Rngi Shyllong to stop the alleged encroachment by the Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force at Shillong Peak.
The EAC is erecting pillars to designate an entry point to the Shillong viewpoint. Before this, the Dorbar Shnong along with the local MLA had asked East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner and Public Works Department to ask the Air Force to stop encroaching on the areas and boundaries of the village.
But the IAF reportedly failed to comply with the request of the district administration to stop erecting the pillars.
Even on Tuesday, the IAF personnel did not pay heed to the request which prompted Basaiawmoit to pay a visit to the site.
When the Basaiawmoit reached the spot, lower rank IAF personnel had asserted that the land where the pillars were being erected falls under them.
The Nongkrem MLA, however, asserted that the land belongs to the village, while also flagging that previously the Army has been found indulging in such kind of encroachment.
“We have decided to come to stop the illegal construction on our own since you have refused to comply with the request of both the district administration and PWD,” Basaiawmoit said.
When called inside the EAC base to discuss the matter, the VPP MLA brushed aside the idea.
Finally, a commander of the EAC appeared at the scene, and after a brief discussion with the MLA, provided the assurance that the work would immediately be stopped.
It is expected that the district administration will hold a meeting to resolve this issue.