Shillong, June 11: A tug of war between the government and the residents from twenty villages along stretch Mawdiangdiang till Diengpasoh who stand firm in opposing the land acquisition for the proposed New Shillong Township (NST) Project.
Even after the government has taken a strong decision to acquire the land belonging to the people from these villages, yet the people would not compromise to the decision however they have decided that they will continue to oppose NST Project.
The decision was taken after a public gathering held at Diengpasoh here on Tuesday where the villagers resolved to continue protesting against the NST project proposed by the government stating that the said project will affect their livelihood and loss of land.
During the public gathering a strong solution has been passed in which the residents of the 20 villages with as many as 14 rangbah shnong and the local NGOs has resolved to issue a two-week deadline to the state government to give a written assurance to stop land acquisition for the proposed NST Project.
The gathering also felt that the game played by the government by eye-washing the people in the name of development is a cheap trick as development is the right of the people which leaves no room for compromising.
RTI activist Angela Rangad while addressing the gathering said, “If the government felt that there will be development with coming of the NST then the government is wrong,” adding that with or without the NST, development should be brought to the villages as it is the right of public.
She also stated that if the government is really concerned about development then it should consider developing the agricultural sector, which provides livelihood to the rural polbong of Mawkdup village W Nongdhar while showing strong resentment on the proposed project said that the government should have consulted the people before making any decision stating that “The people have as much right to decide what they want to do with their lands.”
He also state firmly that the Raid will not, at any cost, give up the fight just like that as this is a concern not only of the present generation but the future generation as well.
Highlighting on the consequences that will take place if the NST Project is being carried out FKJGP President Joe Marwein said that if the proposed NST project is carried out stating that influx will pose as a thread to the indigenous community as the areas, if acquired by the government will be handed over to big companies resulting in the inflow of immigrants into the state.
The gathering was also attended by CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing, members of the KSU and FKJGP, sordars and villagers of the 14 villages under the Raid.
