SHILLONG: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has said the issue of Harijan Colony involves meticulous documentation and the High Level Committee which is dealing with it should not be rushed so as to ensure the work is done properly.
“The documentation by the committee should be done meticulously. I am of the view that the committee should not be pushed right now. Yes, the committee should try to complete the exercise in a speedy manner but not in a hasty manner. I think proper home work is needed in this whole exercise,” he told reporters here on Tuesday adding that meticulous paper work done now will prevent any untoward challenges in the future.
Asked about the non-cooperation of the residents of Harijan Colony and their opposition to relocation, he said inventorisation is continuing and it will be premature to comment anything on the matter at this juncture.
“We will wait for the report of the committee before taking a final call on the way forward,” he said.
He asserted that previous governments shied away from tackling the Harijan Colony issue since it was complicated.
“If you look at the history of this case none of the governments really took this up as we have done. The government in the past shied away since this issue is very complicated,” he said. With the Harijan Colony residents asking for land documents from the state government, Sangma said, “There are many claims and requests that are coming and as a government it is our duty to listen to everybody and give them the time to express their concerns and give their point of view. The High Level Committee will look into all these aspects. It is also the duty of the committee to listen to all stakeholders.”
On his meeting with the members of the Gurdwara Committee and other committees of the Sikh population, he said the community had expressed their concern over the security to the community staying in the state.
He informed that he has assured the Sikh community that the primary responsibility of the government is to protect its citizens.
Sangma, however, categorically stated that the security aspect should not be mixed with the overall issue of Harijan Colony.
