Shillong: Shillong's urban development plans and the contentious relocation of the Harijan Colony are now in the hands of the Union Ministry of Defence. A state BJP delegation recently presented these urgent concerns to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, citing the ministry as the primary obstacle to several critical city projects.
Led by state president Rikman Momin, the group urged the minister to authorize a land transfer within the cantonment area. This move is necessary to relocate the Dalit Sikh community from Them Iew Mawlong, an area that has been a focal point of civil unrest since 2018. Momin stated that finding a resolution to this relocation is essential for state stability and meets a long-standing demand of the local tribal community.
Beyond the colony relocation, the delegation pushed for the release of military-held land to expand the road from Barik Point to Jhalupara. City BJP president Bob Lyngdoh described the project as a vital measure to alleviate the city's chronic traffic congestion. The project remains gridlocked as it awaits official clearance from the Defence Ministry.
The delegation also highlighted the financial strain caused by soaring cantonment rents. State vice-president Bipen Pradhan reported that a lack of updated policies and the introduction of the Standard Table of Rents have caused significant public resentment. Pradhan warned that the regulatory vacuum is currently inviting unnecessary legal disputes for local residents.
Following the presentation, the Union minister noted that the matters would be reviewed with the appropriate authorities. Rajnath Singh stated, "the matters would be examined and discussed with the relevant authorities." While this response offers no immediate guarantee, the state BJP maintains that the intervention is a necessary step for the larger interest of the state as officials continue to plan for Shillong's future.
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