Shillong: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has voiced its opposition to the government’s proposal to relocate residents of Harijan Colony to nearby Defence land, arguing that it defeats the purpose of the relocation.
KHNAM working president, Thomas Passah, explained that the proposed land is located just behind the current site, meaning the relocation would not create any significant change.
“Relocating people from one place to another so close by doesn’t address the real issue,” he said.
The main goal of relocating the residents, who are mostly government employees, is to reduce traffic congestion and eliminate illegal activities in the area.
Passah referred to previous reports about the Lum Survey area, a Defence land, which has been associated with issues like drug abuse and other illegal activities.
He believes that moving people to this area would not solve the problem.
The KHNAM leader reiterated that the government should focus on relocating employees to designated government quarters instead.
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Meanwhile, the Meghalaya government is hopeful of securing 2-3 acres of land from the Defence authorities to resettle the residents of Harijan Colony in Them Iew Mawlong.
If the land transfer doesn’t happen, the government will proceed with its original plan for the relocation.
The resolution of the Harijan Colony resettlement issue now depends on the Ministry of Defence’s decision regarding the Lum Survey land.
