Tribune News Service
Amritsar, November 1
The Shillong minorities, including Sikhs and some Hindu and Christian families, have outrightly rejected the Meghalaya Government’s announcement to take the possession of the Punjabi Lane or Harijan Colony, where they have been residing for decades.
Fundamental rights violated
The tripartite agreement is patently illegal, mala fide and a clear violation of the constitutional and fundamental rights of residents. Resolution by punjabi lane residents
During a joint meeting, the Harijan Panchayat Committee, representing the aggrieved families, the devotees of Gurdwara Guru Nanak Darbar, the Hindu temples and the Church of North India, all located in the area, have categorically condemned the statement of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, that a sum of Rs 20 million has been paid to the acting Syiem (chief) of Hima Mylliem of Khasi community, the custodian of the land under hierarchy, to surrender the possession in government’s favour.
Gurjit Singh, secretary of Harijan Panchayat committee, said “We will die in our homes rather than be forcibly evicted. Let it be known to all concerned that this is going to be a fight for survival and habitat and we will spare no effort to win this battle of honour, dignity and legitimate rights.”
The residents, in their first resolution, said, “The tripartite agreement between the Government of Meghalaya, the Acting Syiem of Hima Mylliem and the Shillong Municipal Board is patently illegal, mala fide and a clear violation of the constitutional and fundamental rights of the residents of Punjabi Lane, whose forefathers came here some 200 years ago and who have served Meghalaya honestly and diligently doing manual scavenging and other menial tasks.”
Ready for fight, won’t leave: Shillong Sikhs
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