Shillong, August 31: The Hynñiewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) Laban Circle on Monday claimed to have evicted five people from outside the state who were allegedly using a roadside area at Jail Road as an overnight sleeping place.
HNYF Laban Circle president Jeff Sohtun, in a statement said the individuals were found at around 2 am and that their identities and places of origin could not be ascertained. He also alleged that they did not possess any documents.
According to Sohtun, residents of Jail Road were reluctant to confront the individuals, allegedly out of fear that they might threaten people with knives. Following the intervention of the HNYF, the five individuals reportedly left the area.
Meanwhile, HNYF leaders of the South East Circle, Sohra, on Monday submitted a written representation seeking clarification from the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Sohra Civil Sub-Division regarding the implementation of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971.
The organisation raised concerns over alleged instances of land documents being obtained by individuals from Bangladesh and what it described as a lack of clarity in an RTI response received from the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills district.
Speaking to the media, HNYF spokesperson Bajop Khongwir said the organisation would seek clarification from the State Government regarding the alleged non-implementation of the Meghalaya Transfer of Land (Regulation) Act, 1971, in border villages under Hima Sohra and Hima Mawlong.
Khongwir claimed that the organisation had found what it considered sufficient evidence indicating that foreign nationals had obtained pattas or land documents within areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC).
The HNYF South East Circle Sohra, has submitted a formal representation to the Assistant Executive Engineer, Sohra Distribution Sub-Division, MePDCL, East Khasi Hills District, seeking urgent intervention over frequent and repeated power outages in Mawlong village, Mawlong Sirdarship.
In its representation, the HNYF said residents of Mawlong village have repeatedly raised concerns over interruptions in electricity supply, which it claimed have adversely affected daily activities, household requirements, children’s education, small businesses and other essential activities dependent on regular power supply. The organisation said it was submitting the representation on behalf of the residents to place their grievances before the competent authority and seek appropriate redressal.
The HNYF has requested MePDCL to register and consider the matter as a public grievance and conduct a proper inspection and technical assessment of the distribution system supplying electricity to Mawlong. It has also urged the department to identify the root causes of the repeated power interruptions, including possible technical deficiencies, faults, overloading, transformer-related issues, line faults or other relevant causes. The organisation further sought necessary corrective and preventive measures to reduce, and as far as technically possible prevent, recurring power disruptions.
The HNYF also requested the department to undertake maintenance, repairs, strengthening or upgrading of the relevant distribution infrastructure wherever necessary and in accordance with applicable technical requirements and procedures. It further asked the MePDCL to inform the HNYF South East Circle Sohra about the action taken or proposed to be taken in response to the representation.
The organisation clarified that its representation was not intended to interfere with the lawful functioning of MePDCL, but was submitted in the public interest and for the welfare of the residents of Mawlong. The HNYF has urged the competent authority to take necessary action at the earliest and provide an appropriate response regarding the steps taken to address the power supply problems in the locality.
