Meghalaya Govt. takes over Punjabi Lane; illegal settlers to be relocated

SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government on Friday took over the land of Punjabi Lane locality in Shillong.

The government further decided that illegal settlers will be relocated from there, officials said.

The state government took possession of the 12,444.13 square metre land from the local chieftain, after it paid the latter Rs 2 crore as per terms agreed.

A lease deed was signed among the state government, the chieftain locally known as the "Syiem of Hima Mylliem" and the Shillong Municipal Board in this regard on March 31, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said.

The move came a month after a high-level committee (HLC) set up to find a permanent solution to the issue of illegal settlers at the Punjabi Lane locality submitted its report to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and the government approved its recommendations.

Punjabi Lane under Iew Duh area of the Meghalaya capital is inhabited by people from Punjab, who were brought to Shillong around 200 years ago by the British to engage them in sanitary works.

Unlawful occupants of the area will be relocated following the official taking over of the area on Friday.

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