Shillong, January 30 : A delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by MLA Sanbor Shullai, State President Rikman G. Momin, and State Vice President Bernard Marak, met with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to discuss the acquisition of defence-controlled lands in Shillong. The proposal aims to alleviate the city’s growing traffic congestion.
During the meeting, the BJP delegation highlighted the potential for easing traffic by utilizing land under Defence Ministry control in several key areas of the city, including Lady Keane Road, Police Bazar, Shillong Peak Road, Umpling Bridge Road, and areas near Anjalee Cinema Hall. These roads are currently impacted by land that falls within the jurisdiction of the Defence Ministry.
Sanbor Shullai proposed that with proper boundary demarcation and fencing, these roads could be made accessible for civilian vehicles, significantly reducing congestion. He also suggested that defence land near Umsohsun, specifically towards Rhino Junction, could be converted into a parking lot, helping to ease traffic bottlenecks at Khyndailad.
Additionally, Shullai recommended using land near Anjalee Cantonment Beat House for vehicle parking and for creating a hawker complex to benefit local vendors. He emphasized that the acquisition could be carried out in accordance with the Defence Ministry’s compensation rules.
Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh assured the delegation that he would look into the matter and asked for a detailed representation to be submitted. He also acknowledged the issue of fencing near Rhino Point and pledged to address it.
The BJP delegation plans to meet with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya in the coming weeks to request the formation of a state-level committee that will oversee the acquisition of defence land within Shillong city.
Shullai confirmed that the BJP will continue to pursue this issue to ensure a timely resolution for the benefit of Shillong’s residents.
