In a major setback to the Meghalaya Government, a village dorbar in Ri Bhoi district has threatened to move the court seeking intervention into the State Government’s recent decision to set up the entry point at Umling.
Also read: Meghalaya government finalizes land in Umling for setting up of entry-exit points
In a memorandum submitted to state chief minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday, headman of Pahammawle in 20th Mile, J Sylliang has expressed disgruntlement on the government’s decision to relocate the entry point from 19th Mile, Pahammawlein to Umling, stated reports.
According to him, the decision was also taken after the State Government has failed to consult the stakeholders and without keeping in mind the ground realities, including the unfeasibility and legality of setting up of the entry point in Umling.
Citing reasons for the opposition, Sylliang said the most impractical reason for setting up the entry point in Umling is the location of the toll plaza in 20th Mile.
He also argued that how will the State Government turn away visitors without valid papers after they have paid toll, in the toll plaza located at 20th Mile.
He further said that any action on the part of the State Government to detain or deny entry of any person into the state after having paid toll, will be deemed to be ulta vires, tantamount to harassment and unlawful action,” he said.
The headman further stated that there are several state PWD roads before the proposed site to set up the entry point at the land owned by the Transport department in Umling, which gives unimpeded access to Nongpoh, Lailad, Patharkmah, Mairang, Shillong and the rest of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills region.
Meanwhile, the dorbar shnong suggested that the entry point should be set up as close to the inter-state border as possible, irrespective of terrain, for maximum effectiveness.