By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 24: North Shillong legislator Adelbert Nongrum has lodged a formal complaint with the Urban Affairs Department against the alleged unauthorised commercial use of government land at New Shillong Township, Mawdiangdiang.
The matter pertains to Plot No. 27 at Lum Jingsuk Homes, allotted to Chief Secretary DP Wahlang through the Civil Service Officers’ Housing Cooperative Society Ltd (CSOHCSL).
According to Nongrum, the plot is being used for the operation of a guest house of IIM Shillong, in violation of the conditions laid down in the deed of allotment.
Speaking to reporters following an on-site inspection, Nongrum pointed out that the affirmation deed for the land clearly specifies that it should only be used for the purpose for which it was allotted. “The agreement explicitly states that the land cannot be used for any other purpose,” he said.
Nongrum recalled that in a reply to a starred question raised by him during the autumn session of the Assembly, the government had confirmed that Lum Jingsuk Homes is a registered cooperative society established to provide housing plots to its members. The government further stated that the society permits sub-letting of dwelling units for residential purposes, preferably to institutions, but not for commercial activities such as hotels or Airbnbs.
The Urban Affairs Department also informed the Assembly that the IIM Shillong guest house is indeed being run from a building located on Plot No. 27 at Lum Jingsuk Homes, which was originally allotted to the chief secretary.
“This is clearly unauthorised use of government land for commercial business,” Nongrum said, adding that the complaint has been filed in public interest to ensure land allotted for housing is not misused.
He further claimed that the government, in its reply in the Assembly, had stated that the cooperative society was permitted to sublet the plot—a position he described as a clear violation of the agreement. “Now it is evident that a senior IAS officer, who is supposed to uphold rules and laws, has become a lawbreaker,” the MLA remarked.
Nongrum urged the government to act immediately to stop the cooperative society from setting what he termed a dangerous precedent. “The government must ensure that such illegal practices do not create a wrong precedent. Otherwise, others may follow this example, putting the state at risk in the future,” he warned.
The MLA urged the Urban Affairs Department to take immediate steps to stop the commercial activity on the plot and sought a written reply within 30 days, failing which he threatened to take legal recourse.
Nongrum has since submitted a letter to Urban Affairs Secretary WAM Booth, with copies also forwarded to Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, the Chief Secretary, Secretary of MUDA, Secretary of New Shillong Township Authority, and Secretary of CSOHCSL.
