Northeast Desk, 2nd May: The Meghalaya government has taken decisive action in response to allegations raised by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) regarding the authenticity of recent information provided in response to an RTI query. The query, directed to the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and Urban Affairs department, revealed that out of 342 families residing in the Harijan Colony at Them Iew Mawlong, 148 were identified as illegal settlers.
Prompted by the disclosure from the SMB office, the HYC swiftly approached Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong, seeking intervention. Concerns arose regarding potential discrepancies between the disclosed number of families and the figures presented in an affidavit submitted to the Meghalaya High Court, where 342 families were claimed to reside.
In response to the HYC’s plea, Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong acknowledged the gravity of the situation and ordered a re-verification process. He directed the SMB CEO and Director of Urban Affairs to thoroughly review the matter and provide clarifications. Citing past instances where RTI responses diverged from official records, Tynsong underscored the imperative of ensuring accuracy in such matters.
The government has proactively scheduled a meeting with the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) on May 7 to discuss the pressing issue of relocating residents from Them Iew Mawlong. This move comes amidst ongoing scrutiny over the legality of the settlement and the accuracy of population figures, signaling the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns raised by various stakeholders.
Read More: Assam: 3 friends missing while swimming in Manas National Park; one body recovered