Shillong, April 8: The dispute between the Dorbar Shnong Golflink and the Shillong Club has intensified after the shnong took a firm step to lock the public entry points and accessible areas of the Shillong Golf Course located at Golflink.
The action follows multiple complaints from local residents who regularly go for morning walks. They alleged that the Shillong Club, which manages the golf course, has been collecting entry fees from the public to access the area, describing the practice as unfair and a violation of their rights to use a public space.
In response, the Dorbar Shnong Golflink, under the leadership of Rangbah Shnong Bah Michael Hek, along with the support of the Seng Longkmie, Seng Samla, and local elders, moved to lock all public entry points to the golf course as a measure to protect community rights.
Speaking to the media, Bah Michael Hek stated that the Shillong Club is not the owner of the land but merely a lessee, and alleged that the club has been acting as if it owns the property. He further accused the club of indiscriminately charging entry fees from morning walkers, even though the area is meant to be accessible to the public free of cost.
He also questioned whether the Shillong Club possesses a valid trading licence to operate such activities and noted that the shnong had previously issued notices inviting the club for discussions, but there was no response.
“The Shillong Club continues to misuse its authority while disregarding shnong laws and the rights of the people,” said Bah Hek, warning that if such practices continue, the shnong will take stronger action.
The Dorbar Shnong Golflink maintained that the decision to lock the entrances was necessary to safeguard the interests and rights of the residents, while demanding that public access be respected and that no fees should be imposed on people using what is considered a public space.
