Shillong: A BJP delegation from Meghalaya led by MLA Sanbor Shullai, State President Rikman G Momin, and State Vice President Bernard Marak met Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi to discuss the acquisition of Defence Ministry-controlled land in Shillong to ease traffic congestion in the city.
Key areas under the Defence Ministry’s jurisdiction, including Lady Keane Road, Shillong Peak Road, Umpling Bridge Road, and the footpath near Anjali Cinema Hall, were identified as potential solutions to improve traffic flow if opened for civilian use with proper boundary demarcation and fencing.
Shullai proposed utilising defence land near Umsohsun towards Rhino Junction for a parking lot to reduce congestion in Khyndailad. Additionally, land near Anjali Cantonment Beat House could be repurposed for vehicle parking and a hawkers’ complex.
He emphasised that land acquisition could be carried out under the Defence Ministry’s compensation rules.
The Union Defence Minister assured the delegation that he would look into the matter, while the BJP state unit pledged to continue pursuing the issue. The delegation also raised concerns about fencing near Rhino Point by defence authorities, prompting the minister to request a detailed representation of civilian challenges.
Furthermore, the BJP leaders plan to meet the Chief Minister to urge the formation of a state-level committee to oversee defence land acquisition within Shillong.
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