Shillong, Jan 31: The BJP wanted the state government to form a state level committee that will look into acquisition of defence land within Shillong.
This move is after a BJP delegation met the Union Defence Minister Rajnath Sing in New Delhi on January 28 regarding the need to get more defence land to ease traffic congestion.
The delegation consisted of Sanbor Shullai MLA, State President Rikman G. Momin, State Vice President Bernard Marak and others.
They discussed the issue of land acquisition of areas under the direct control of the Defence Ministry within Shillong , a move that will help in traffic decongestion. Major areas like the Lady Keane Road towards Police Bazar, Shillong Peak Road, Umpling Bridge Road towards Chief Engineer Office Shillong and footpath near Anjali Cinema Hall are all accessible through parts that are under the jurisdiction of the Defence Ministry.
Shullai said that if they allow these roads to be used for civilian vehicular movement, with proper boundary demarcation and fencing, then it can go a long way in easing the traffic situation. Shullai also said that several defence lands like the one near Umsohsun towards Rhino junction can be used for creating a parking lot, thereby reducing traffic congestion near Khyndailad. The BJP MLA also said that land near Anjali Cantonment Beat House can be used for vehicle parking and a complex for hawkers can be created for the locals. Land acquisition can be done against payment as per land compensation rules of the Defence Ministry. Shullai said that the Union defence minister assured that he will look into the matter and the state BJP will keep pursuing this till the issue gets resolved. The BJP delegation also apprised the minister regarding the fencing of land near Rhino point by the defence authorities. The minister has agreed to look into the matter and has asked for submission of a detailed representation regarding the problem faced by the civilians.
The BJP delegation will soon meet the Chief Minister and request the state government to form a state level committee for land acquisition of defence land within the city.
