SHILLONG: A delegation of 12 organisations met the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) chief HS Shylla on Monday to discuss on a close and healthy coordination among the state government, the KHADC and the Hima Mylliem over Them Mawlong.
Addressing reporters on Monday, Hynniewtrep Youth Council president Robert June Kharjahrin said, “We know that some of the areas (in Iew Them Mawlong) fall under the government while some fall under District Council. There has to be understanding among the state government, District Council and Hima Mylliem to not delay their eviction.”
“How can the government evict illegal settlers from areas of the Syiem, it should be the Syiem who should evict them instead. However, the Syiem is also waiting for consultation with the District Council. Hence, there has to be an understanding among the state government, District Council and Hima Mylliem,” he added.
According to him, the KHADC should take proactive steps to tell the government to expedite the issue of Iew Them Mawlong.
Relocation and eviction
The 12 organisations maintained that they would not allow relocation of illegal settlers by the state government as relocation will arise only for those who are employees of Shillong Municipal Board.
“There should not only be relocation, there should be eviction. How can illegal settlers be relocated? An illegal settler who is not an employee of municipal board should be evicted,” Kharjahrin said.
The organisations, besides HYC, which met Shylla were Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, East Jaintia National Council, Confederation of Ri Bhoi People, Ri Bhoi Students’ Union, West Khasi Students’ Union, Western Youth Federation, Synjuk ki Seng Samla Shnong, Jaintia Students’ Union, Jaintia Youth Federation, Meghalaya People’s United Front and All Jaintia Students Union.
