From Our Correspondent
Rongjeng, May 8: At least nine groups from Rongjeng village in East Garo Hills (EGH) have raised objections to the coming up of a bonded warehouse as well as a wine store near a government school in the same area.
The NGOs — GSU, FKJGP, APA, ASWA, AOSW, NGCO, AAYF, GSMC and ACFI — highlighted the fact that the wine store and bonded warehouse in a newly set up building falls not even 200 metres from the Rongjeng United Government UP School and was in direct defiance of the laws set up by the Supreme Court as well as the state.
The matter was first raised on March 5 this year with the Deputy Commissioner of EGH seeking the closure of the two shops or its relocation.
When no action was initiated on the matter, the NGOs on Tuesday, sent a reminder petition to the DC once again seeking some action on their complaint.
Following the complaint, a team from the Excise department visited the site and measurements were taken along with some of the NGO representatives.
“The distance from the school to the two stores in question is about 67 metres which is in direct contravention of the orders of the SC and the government. This, prima facie, shows these shops to be operating out of law as the minimum distance for granting such licenses,” stated the NGOs.
While the Excise department’s visit had raised hopes of action, nothing since has happened, raising questions among the groups.
“The department concerned, prior to granting the licences for the two shops, has clearly disregarded the law while granting it to them. There is no question of personal interest as we are concerned about the student community that is being affected by these shops,” they added.
The NGOs in their letter, have given 7 days to the district administration for either shutting the two shops or moving them to a separate location.