Harijan Panchayat Committee Accuses Meghalaya Government of Stalling Relocation Talks

The Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) has raised concerns over the Meghalaya government’s handling of relocation discussions for residents of Harijan Colony, alleging that recent plans to demolish a Gurdwara and temple in the area have derailed progress. HPC Secretary Gurjit Singh criticized the government for introducing the demolition issue abruptly, stating that discussions regarding the relocation of settlers were on the verge of resolution before this development.

Singh expressed that the demolition of religious structures is entirely unacceptable and undermines the relocation efforts, which were initiated following violent clashes in 2018. The plan aimed to relocate 342 families from Them Iew Mawlong to premises owned by the Shillong Municipal Board on Bivar Road.

Initially, the government proposed providing 2.14 acres of land, supplementing the existing 1.4 acres opposite the Municipal Board’s building. However, the HPC has since demanded 200 square meters of land for each family within the European Ward, emphasizing the need for a solution outside the Sixth Schedule’s jurisdiction.

In a related development, the state government had acquired 12,444.13 square meters of land in Harijan Colony for Rs 2 crore through a tripartite lease deed in March 2021. Recently, Chief Secretary DP Wahlang suggested allotting land adjacent to Harijan Colony for the relocation plan. A formal letter has been sent to the Defence Secretary, and a high-level meeting is expected soon between Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the Union Defence Minister to further discuss the situation.

The HPC’s accusations and demands highlight the ongoing challenges in finding a suitable resolution for the Harijan Colony residents, as tensions remain high regarding the future of both the community and the religious institutions situated in the area.