SHILLONG, Jan 30: A state BJP delegation led by party MLA Sanbor Shullai, party president Rikman G Momin, party vice president Bernard Marak, and others called on Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, pressing for land acquisition of areas under the Defence Ministry’s jurisdiction within Shillong.
It is pertinent to note that key areas such as Lady Keane Road towards Police Bazar, Shillong Peak Road, Umpling Bridge Road towards the Chief Engineer’s Office, and the footpath near Anjalee Cinema Hall fall under Defence jurisdiction but remain crucial for public access.
During the meeting, Shullai suggested that permitting civilian vehicular movement on these roads, with proper boundary demarcation and fencing, could ease traffic congestion.
He also proposed using Defence land near Umsohsun towards Rhino Junction to develop a parking lot, helping reduce jams near Khyndai Lad.
Additionally, he recommended utilising land near Anjalee Cantonment Beat House for vehicle parking and constructing a hawkers’ complex for the benefit of the local community.
Further, the BJP delegation highlighted that land acquisition could be carried out through compensation as per Defence Ministry rules.
Meanwhile, the union minister has although assured them of reviewing the matter, the state BJP has pledged to pursue the issue until resolved.
During the meeting, the delegation also flagged concerns about the fencing of land near Rhino Point by Defence authorities.
In this regard, the defence minister has agreed to examine the matter and requested a detailed representation on the challenges faced by civilians.
It may be mentioned that the BJP is also mulling a meeting with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma with a request to constitute a committee to oversee Defence land acquisition within Shillong.
