By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Feb 24: The dispute over the 600-metre Happy Valley–Mawshbuit road was discussed in the Assembly on Tuesday, with the government assuring the House that the army has agreed not to obstruct public movement.
VPP MLA Heaving Stone Kharpran raised the issue for the third time, citing a news report that questioned the army’s ownership of a portion of the stretch based on archival findings. He asked if the government would concede the land without legal proof and sought clarity on road maintenance. Kharpran also highlighted a recent incident where the army allegedly obstructed the construction of a bridge over the Umkhen River.
Supplementing the concerns, VPP MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit pointed to ongoing friction between civilians and armed forces. He noted that many villages predating the military presence maintain traditional land claims that are often overlooked by defence authorities. He urged a resolution that includes village authorities rather than relying solely on defence claims.
In his reply, Deputy Chief Minister in-charge PWD Prestone Tynsong reiterated that verified records indicate the 600-metre stretch falls under defence land. However, he informed the House that a high-level meeting was convened on Monday by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, attended by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and state officials.
Tynsong stated that during the meeting, defence authorities agreed not to halt traffic to and from Mawshbuit village. The district administration will issue formal directions to ensure uninterrupted movement once the meeting proceedings are finalised.
On the matter of legal transparency, Tynsong ordered a detailed survey by the district administration and the Directorate of Land Records and Survey. He assured the House that the land documents would be placed on the floor for review.
Regarding maintenance, Tynsong clarified that the responsibility lies with the defence authorities, who recently repaired the stretch. On the Umkhen River bridge dispute, he said a joint inspection by the district collector and defence officials would be conducted to resolve overlapping land claims.
While acknowledging traditional village claims, Tynsong said the government’s priority is ensuring public movement. He noted that while some claims were previously found legally untenable, the government remains committed to an amicable resolution between the villages and the army.
