The high-level committee constituted by the Meghalaya Government for finding permanent solution to the long pending issue of rehabilitating settlers residing at Them ïew Mawlong in Shillong began its exercise on Wednesday.
The committee was constituted by the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) Government on Monday to study into the nitty-gritty of the issue and suggest measures for permanent solution.
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The high-level committee is headed by deputy chief minister Prestone Tynsong. Others members include urban affairs minister Hamletson Dohling, health minister AL Hek, home minister James K Sangma, sports minister Banteidor Lyngdoh, chief executive member of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council, PN Syiem, besides commissioner and secretary DP Wahlang as member secretary of the committee.
The first meeting chaired by Tynsong was held in the main secretariat here and decided to seek all relevant documents in connection with the issue.
Departments that involved in the exercise include urban affairs, Shillong Municipal Board, Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council and other agencies.
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Tynsong told reporters that the committee has requested the relevant departments to share details including court cases.
“We want to have the details within a week so that the committee again can meet as we want to complete the exercise at the earliest possible,” Tynsong said.
The terms of reference of the high-level committee is to examine all relevant records and documents and recommend feasible solution on the issue.
The committee shall submit its recommendations to the government at the earliest.
The issue has been pending for many years and Governments in the past have not been able to resolve the matter.
Asked if the violent agitation that erupted in the city over the issue has political colour, Tynsong said he would not like to comment on the issue, saying, “Our intention is clear as we want to find solution and solve this issue permanently.”
Violent protests erupted at Motphran and Mawkhar areas in the past few days over the issue. But trouble started following an exchange of words between a bus driver and a lady residing at Them ïew Mawlong on May 31 morning over parking of a bus.
The altercation that led to the assault of the driver and two other persons by some men in the area caused volatile situation since May 31 night.
The standoff between unruly mob and security forces continued at Motphran and Mawkhar areas till Monday.