Shillong: The Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) has voiced frustration over the Meghalaya government’s delay in resolving the relocation of Harijan Colony residents, following plans to demolish a Gurdwara and a temple in the Them Iew Mawlong area. Despite expressing willingness to consider the relocation, the HPC stated that no progress has been made.
HPC Secretary Gurjit Singh criticized the government’s inaction, highlighting that the committee had been open to discussions, but the matter remains unresolved. Last month, Meghalaya Chief Secretary DP Wahlang announced that the state is considering allocating land adjacent to the colony for relocating 342 families.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma is also expected to meet with the Union Defence Minister to discuss land allocation for the relocation. The move to shift the families gained traction following violent clashes in 2018, prompting the formation of a committee to evaluate relocation options. However, the delay continues to cause concern among residents, who are still waiting for a definitive resolution.