Inventory survey at Sweeper’s Colony runs into rough weather

A Correspondent

Shillong, June 26: Residents of Sweeper’s Colony at Them Ïew Mawlong did not cooperate with authorities on Tuesday who went there to conduct census of those staying there.

It may be mentioned that staff of Shillong Municipal Board started its inventory survey that included listing the houses and head count of the people residing in the area as part of the exercise. The Shillong Municipal Board is conducting the inventory survey on the direction of the High Level Committee set up by the state government.

The purpose of the survey is to identify the legal and illegal settlers living in the Sweeper’s Colony.

Speaking to media persons, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Shillong Municipal Board, BS Sohliya said that as of now the residents of Sweeper’s Colony are not cooperating with the staff who are conducting the inventory survey.

Sohliya informed that the SMB staff have not been able to make head count of the people residing in the area since majority of the houses were locked.

“We are hoping to get the cooperation as this whole exercise moves forward,” the CEO said.

Sohliya informed that authorities are in constants talks with the leaders of the Sikh community to ensure that the exercise is carried smoothly. It was also seen that during the inventory survey carried out by the SMB staff women were seen protesting.

Meanwhile, Sohliya also informed that on the first day of the survey only listing of the houses could be done. He also informed that a total number of six teams with three members, each accompanied by two police personnel, are involved in the inventory survey.

According to Sohliya, a total number of 128 employees of the board are residing in the area.

Meanwhile, later in the day, a two-member delegation of the National Human Rights Commission met the leaders of the Sikh community. However, the details of the meeting were not divulged by the officials. One of the member told media persons said that they have visited the place as per the directive of the commission.