Shillong, April 26: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has impressed upon the Shillong Cantonment Board (SCB) to evict the illegal settlers residing at the plot of land opposite to the Bara Bazaar Fire and Emergency Service Station at Lum Survey which falls under the jurisdiction.
The HYC members led by its president Roykupar Synrem on Friday submitted a memorandum to SCB chief executive officer (CEO), Ayush Maurya demanding immediate action to evict the illegal settlers.
Speaking to reporters, HYC president informed during the meeting, the CEO told them that the particular plot of land falls under the SCB but the authority which looks after this land is the defence estates officer (DEO), whose main office is located in Guwahati.
The HYC president also said that they were informed by the CEO there is a litigation going on with this particular plot of land but he does not know the exact status of the case.
Informing that the SCB CEO has assured that he will officially reply to their memorandum, he said that they will approach to the DEO office after they get the letter from the CEO whom they can approach in the Guwahati office
Meanwhile, in the memorandum submitted to the CEO, the HYC president said that they would like to inform you the organization on Thursday conducted a spot Inquiry on the existence of illegal settlement of people within the jurisdiction of the Board located opposite the Fire and Emergency Station, lewduh (Bara Bazar), Shillong after receiving numerous complaints from the general public.
“During inspection we found that about 80-100 households were staying in the said plot of land by constructing huts used of plastics and other scrap materials and further on enquiry it is learned that these people were illegally staying there without any permission from the Cantonment Board or any other authority,” Synrem said.
According to him, the condition of the place is deplorable and unfit for human habitation and is an eyesore for the city of Shillong and the State as a whole.
“We were also informed that this place is a hub of illegal activities like supply and trafficking of illicit drugs in the city and also a safe haven for illegal immigrants from other countries,” the HYC president said.
He further observed that it is shocking as to how the authority concerned kept a blind eye to the existence of such an illegal settlement right in the middle of the city.
“Therefore, we demand that prompt action be taken to evict these illegal settlers and demolish the settlement by the Board. And for which act, we would be highly grateful to you,” Synrem added. PTI
