1. Meghalaya government initiates re-verification prompted by HYC’s authenticity concerns over recent RTI findings.
2. RTI query discloses 148 illegal settler families out of 342 in Them Iew Mawlong’s Harijan Colony.
3. SMB and Urban Affairs Department under scrutiny following HYC’s allegations.
Shillong, May 02: The Meghalaya government has launched a re-verification process in response to allegations raised by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) regarding the authenticity of recent RTI findings.
The query, directed at the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) and Urban Affairs Department, revealed that out of 342 families residing in the Harijan Colony at Them Iew Mawlong, 148 were identified as illegal settlers.
Promptly reacting to the SMB office’s response, the HYC brought the matter to the attention of Deputy Chief Minister Tynsong.
Concerns arose over potential discrepancies between the disclosed number of families and the figures presented in an affidavit submitted to the Meghalaya High Court, where 342 families were claimed to reside.
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Acknowledging the HYC’s concerns, Tynsong emphasized the necessity of re-verification. He instructed the SMB CEO and Director of Urban Affairs to scrutinize the issue and provide clarifications.
Expressing doubt, he referenced previous instances where RTI responses diverged from official records, underscoring the significance of ensuring accuracy.
The government has slated a meeting with the Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) on May 7 to address the relocation of residents from Them Iew Mawlong.
This comes amidst ongoing scrutiny regarding the legality of the settlement and its population figures.
