SHILLONG: Defence authorities have denied reports that cantonments across the country would be abolished.
A large part of Shillong city is under the control of the cantonment.
According to reports, the Army is considering handing over civilian areas within cantonments over to municipal authorities while retaining control over the military installations.
However, a tweet from the defence spokesperson said there was no proposal currently being considered by the ministry for abolishing cantonments and converting military areas within cantonment into exclusive military stations.
Attempts were made to contact the CEO of the Shillong Cantonment Board on Wednesday but it was informed by the office that she was out of station and would be available on Thursday.
It may be mentioned that the Shillong Cantonment was established in 1885 and is surrounded by municipal area and lands and markets belonging to Syiem of Mylliem. National Highway-40 passes through the cantonment.
It is said that 491 acres of land in Shillong belongs to the Cantonment Board and the total population under the Board according to the 2011 census was 11,919.
