Meghalaya: KHNAM Opposes Relocation of Harijan Colony Residents to Defence Land

SHILLONG: Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement, widely opposing relocation of the Harijan Colony dwellers proposed by the Meghalaya government to Defence land adjacent to their present settlement at Them Iew Mawlong, opined that such a plan tends to defeat the basic purpose behind the relocation exercise.

Thomas Passah, the acting president of KHNAM said that the suggested relocation site was too close to the existing settlement. "The Ministry of Defence land that the government is proposing to use is just behind the present location which implies there is no meaning of relocation from point A to B which are very near to each other," said Passah.

KHNAM asserts that the objective of the relocation plan is to alleviate traffic congestion and curb illegal activities allegedly taking place in the area. Shifting residents to an adjacent location fails to address these issues, effectively rendering the relocation process counterproductive.

Passah also pointed out the existence of anti-social activities, including drug-related incidents, in the Lum Survey area, which is Defence land. "From our point of view, relocating the residents to that area will not solve the purpose," he said. This is against the question of whether the relocation site is suitable for achieving the government's stated objectives of improving urban management and reducing criminal activity.

Reiterating its stand, KHNAM demanded that government employees residing in Harijan Colony be shifted to government quarters. This, they feel, would help in addressing issues of urban planning and ensure proper accommodation for the employees.

Although the Meghalaya government has been trying hard to get a piece of land amounting to 2-3 acres from the Defence authorities at Lum Survey to facilitate the relocation, in case the Defence Ministry does not agree to hand it over, the state government is planning to go ahead with its pre-determined blueprint to settle the residents of Harijan Colony.

For long, the relocation of Harijan Colony residents has been a contentious issue, and the state government has been eager to resolve the issue to meet the challenges in urban planning and assuage public concerns. However, the objections by KHNAM indicate the complexity of finding a solution acceptable to all parties concerned.

The relocation plan of Harijan Colony residents to Defence land at Lum Survey has been quite controversial, with KHNAM challenging the very rationale of the proposed plan. As the state government waits for a response from the Ministry of Defence, the broader implications for urban planning, community relations, and governance remain under the scanner. Only a transparent and inclusive approach can resolve this long-standing issue.

ALSO READ:

ALSO WATCH: