Meghalaya Government appears firm in relocation of the residents of Punjabi Lane (Them Iew Mawlong) in Shillong that was the bone of contention for the recent violence and mayhem that rocked the capital city of Meghalaya.
The chairman of Meghalaya State Planning Board and Independent legislator from Nongkrem, Lambor Malngiang categorically stated that the State Government has identified a few places for the relocation of the ‘genuine’ residents of the Punjabi Lane.
Malngiang further reiterated that the State Government would not bow down to any pressure tactic nor will pay any heed to pleas from ‘organizations coming from outside the State’.
Stating that the government will not compromise on the subject of relocation of the residents, Malngiang said that the relocation will have to take place and that the State Government has to see the ‘overall interests’ of all the people.
He said that the colony was meant for the temporary residences of the workers but now many big establishments have come up in the area.
The Meghalaya State Planning Board chairman further asserted that the area turning into a commercial hub cannot afford to have a residential area in between.