Meghalaya Government Awaits Defence Ministry's Response On Harijan Colony Relocation

SHILLONG: Meghalaya government is still awaiting a response from the Ministry of Defence regarding its request to allocate 2 acres of land for the immediate relocation of 342 families from the Harijan Colony at Them Iew Mawlong.

On Tuesday, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang stated, "The ball is now in the court of the defence ministry. We expect them to respond as quickly as possible, and we are simply waiting for their communication."

He mentioned that the state government had approached the central government to allocate land near Mawlonghat, which is owned by the Army.

“We have communicated with the defence ministry and we hope to receive a positive response. The area we have requested is quite small and is viable from our perspective. Once we get a response from the defence ministry, we will move forward,” Wahlang said, adding, “In fact, in December, both the chief minister and the commissioner and secretary of Urban visited the ministry for this very purpose, and we hope to get a response soon.”

When asked, the chief secretary stated that if the defence land is allocated, the Gurudwara will not be affected in any way.

"Of course, when we met here two months ago in November, they (Harijan Panchayat Committee) were agreeable to the proposal because relocating to the area we're discussing now would not affect the Gurudwara, and the place of worship would remain untouched. So, I believe it would be a win-win situation if approved. We are talking about an area of 2 acres, which may be reduced to one and a half acres," he added.

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