By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 22: The Synjuk Nong Synshar Shnong, Upper Shillong, has urged Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong to establish a full-fledged police station and other key public infrastructure facilities in the Upper Shillong area.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, federation executive member Arju Dkhar said the meeting with the deputy chief minister, which was attended by representatives from 14 villages, focused on several developmental issues affecting the region, including MeECL power lines, tourism infrastructure, the local college and drinking water supply.
According to Dkhar, Tynsong indicated that he may conduct an official inspection of the area next week to assess the issues on the ground and review proposed sites for various projects.
The federation reiterated its demand for a police station at the site of the old Umshyrpi Bridge, along with a Fire and Emergency Services station, a Block Development Officer (BDO) office and a Veterinary Hospital.
Dkhar said the discussions were positive, though no final decisions had yet been taken as it was only the initial meeting.
On the issue of road-widening, the federation said it would leave the matter to the government, noting that National Highway projects are governed by specific norms and laws.
Regarding the petrol pump issue, Dkhar said only preliminary discussions were held since the matter involves a High Court judgment and a tripartite agreement.
He maintained that the federation did not want to take any action that could invite contempt of court proceedings and stressed the need to follow due legal process.
The federation also discussed the possibility of developing government-owned plots, including lands belonging to MeECL and the Forest Department, for tourism and parking facilities to ease traffic congestion towards Iewduh market.
Dkhar further expressed confidence that the government would resolve pending land issues in Lummawbah and Nongskeh, including areas involving defence land.
He said a committee has already been constituted in line with the Government of India policy on cantonment areas to facilitate the return of unused defence land to the state government.
