SHILLONG, July 6: Six years after the 2018 riots, the relocation of 342 families from Them Iew Mawlong remains stalled as the Meghalaya government awaits a “signal” from the Union Ministry of Defence regarding land transfer near the Anjalee parking lot.
Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar stated that the government will meet by the end of this month to review the latest status of the issue. While Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has directly taken up the matter with the Union Defence Minister, the state is yet to receive a formal response.
Acknowledging the deadlock, Dhar suggested that the government is now considering alternative strategies. “If Plan A is not working, we may go with Plan B,” he said, though he did not disclose details of what that alternative entails or whether it involves a new site.
The relocation of settlers at Them Iew Mawlong became a priority following the violent clashes that paralysed the city in 2018. Following the unrest, a High-Level Committee recommended the relocation of 342 families, a proposal that has since remained tied up in negotiations between the state and central authorities.
Meanwhile, Dhar said the party’s prospects for the upcoming by-election to Shillong Lok Sabha seat are strengthening daily.
Dhar noted a positive response from the public and predicted a “good fight.” Asserting that the NPP would secure the seat, he said the priority is winning rather than the size of the victory margin. He further claimed that voters have increasingly recognised the developmental projects initiated by the NPP government, leading to a surge in support for the party.
