SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) has accused the Meghalaya government and the office of the Defence Estate Officer of failing to act against the alleged illegal occupation of land at Lum Survey, claiming the area has become a centre for drug peddling, trafficking and other criminal activities.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the HYC President Roykupar Synrem said authorities have repeatedly cited a pending court case as the reason for delaying eviction drives. The organisation argued that the legal dispute involves only three individuals claiming rights over a specific portion of the land and should not prevent action in the remaining areas.
The HYC alleged that large parts of Lum Survey have been illegally occupied without lawful authority and claimed the government’s inaction has allowed criminal activities to grow unchecked.
The organisation further alleged that illegal settlements on government and defence land have become safe havens for anti-social elements, posing a threat to nearby localities and the youth of Shillong. The HYC demanded the immediate eviction of all illegal settlers from areas not covered by the pending court case. It urged the government and the Defence Estate authorities to begin eviction in locations where there are no legal obstacles instead of waiting for the court proceedings to end. The council also warned that if the authorities continue to remain inactive, they should be held responsible for the growing insecurity and lawlessness in the area.
The HYC said the people of Shillong cannot remain silent while government and defence land is allegedly converted into illegal colonies. It also warned that if immediate action is not taken, the organisation will launch a democratic agitation to hold the concerned authorities accountable.