By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 8: A simmering dispute between the Dorbar Shnong of Golflink and the Shillong Club over the management and use of the historic Shillong Golf Course has prompted the district administration to intervene.
Tensions escalated on Wednesday when the Dorbar Shnong shut the gates of the iconic golf course — considered the third oldest in India and the first 18-hole course in Asia — which is currently operated by the Shillong Club.
The Dorbar Shnong stated that the drastic step was taken after repeated attempts to engage the club in dialogue went unanswered.
Speaking to The Shillong Times, Golflink Rangbah Shnong Michael Hek said several letters had been sent requesting a meeting to discuss longstanding grievances, but these were allegedly ignored by the club.
Among the key demands raised by the Dorbar Shnong is the handover of the Madan Saw playground, located adjacent to the golf course, to the four localities — Golflink, Lumshyiap, Pynthorbah, and Langkyrding — for community recreational use.
The Dorbar Shnong has also demanded employment opportunities for local residents, claiming that such assurances were given by the Shillong Club when it sought cooperation for fencing the golf course. Additionally, it has sought free access for residents to enter the golf course, particularly for morning walks.
Hek questioned the legality of entry fees being charged by the Shillong Club, arguing that while maintenance of the course is understandable, levying fees on residents is unjustified.
He further alleged that the club has recently begun asserting authority over the area without consulting the Dorbar Shnong, which is a departure from earlier practices of mutual cooperation.
The Rangbah Shnong also expressed concern over restrictions imposed on the use of the Madan Saw playground for community and church gatherings. He noted that the playground was developed through government schemes funded by present and former legislators.
“How can the Shillong Club claim ownership over areas developed with public funds?” Hek asked, adding that local bodies had extended support to the club in the past for fencing the golf course.
Describing the club’s stance as “intolerable,” Hek said the Dorbar Shnong was forced to take “drastic steps” to draw attention to the issue.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner RM Kurbah has convened a meeting between the two parties at 10:30 am on Thursday at her office in an effort to resolve the dispute and restore normalcy.
