‘Only SMB workers be shifted’

A Correspondent

Shillong, June 2: The People’s Democratic Front (PDF) on Saturday made a specific demand that only people working with the Shillong Municipal Board and residing in Them ïew Mawlong (Sweeper’s Lane) be shifted to quarters allotted to them.

“Take the data of how many persons living in the area are employed with the municipality and shift them,” PDF leader Pynshngain N Syiem said.

According to Syiem those who are not employed with the municipality and staying there are doing so illegally.

He warned that if nothing is done on the matter, the CWC of the party will take strong action. The PDF which held its Central Working Committee (CWC) on Saturday afternoon said that it will write to the state government on the matter.

The PDF is a constituent of the National People’s Party (NPP) led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government. Syiem said that the alleged assault on the three minor boys by residents of Them ïew Mawlong is not the first such incident but is one of many.

He also said that the party will also write to the Syiem of Hima Mylliem to evict those residents. It may be mentioned that the present land comprising the colony originally belonged to the Hima Mylliem and it was given by the then Syiem of Hima Mylliem in 1853 for accommodation of the Mazbhi (SC) Sikh Community working as sweepers.

“We will write to the Syiem (Traditional Chief) of Hima Mylliem to find out ways and means to shift (those working in the municipality) and evict the others,” the PDF leader added. Syiem hoped that with the ruling coalition in the state government and the Executive Committee from the same alliance the demand of the party will be considered.

He also said that in the past there was no coordination between the various stakeholders like the state government, the district council and the Syiem iof Hima Mylliem and therefore the long pending issue of shifting the genuine residents of Them ïew Mawlong could not be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, PDF legislator from Mawkynrew and Sports Minister in the MDA government, Banteidor Lyngdoh urged the protestors to maintain peace and not indulge in violence.