Synjuk extends full support to HCL

A Reporter

SHILLONG, June 30: The Synjuk Ki Nongshynshar Shnong Ka Bri u Hynniewtrep (SNSBH), an association of traditional village leaders of Khasi and Jaintia hills, on Saturday has reiterated their full support to the ongoing functioning of the High Level Committee (HLC) which was constituted to find a solution to the issue of Them Iew Mawlong.

The Synjuk in this regard also met the Deputy Chief Minister of Meghalaya who is also the Chairman of the HLC Prestone Tynsong at his official residence in the city and submitted a memorandum.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the DyCM, RL Blah general secretary of SNSBH said, “We appreciate the task undertaken by the HLC for their dedication and sincerity in identifying the genuine legal residents of Them Iew Mawlong working in different departments of the government and the illegal settlers in the area through the survey being conducted in the area by the government.”

Stating that the Synjuk believes the committee will restore back the trust of the people especially that of the indigenous people, he said, “The relocation of residents residing at Them Iew Mawlong had been promised by previous government for decades but yet remained unfulfilled till the present date.”

He informed that the Synjuk stands by its demand for relocation of the residents of the area since it stands in the hub of a commercial area and is not fit for residential purpose.

Pointing out that the visits to Sweepers Line by different organization from outside the state like the Akali Dal and representatives of the Punjab Government and other organizations is commendable, he however said, the Synjuk strongly oppose and condemns the various delegations from other parts of the country who keeps pouring into Shillong city with an intention to achieve inclusion into the matter of the state.

He also urged upon the different groups of people who visit the sweepers line in the future to kindly avoid making immature and irresponsible statements without having a minute understanding of the ground reality for the public interest.

When asked, he informed that the Dy CM has assured them that after the survey of the area is complete and after receiving all the land records from MUDA, he will call a meeting with the Synjuk to keep them updated on the progress of the HLC.

Blah also said that it is crucial for everyone to note that the Khasi Jaintia community is a small tribal community with a mere population of not even 20 lakh. Therefore the community can never be equated with any other general community of India.