Will Raise Move To Evict Shillong Sikhs With Centre, Says Punjab Deputy Chief Minister
NDTV
The Meghalaya cabinet has approved a proposal to relocate "illegal settlers" from the Them Iew Mawlong area in Shillong
Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa today said he will take up with the Union Home Minister Meghalaya government's alleged move to "evict" Sikhs living in Shillong.
Days after the Meghalaya cabinet approved a proposal to relocate "illegal settlers" from the Them Iew Mawlong area in Shillong, the Harijan Panchayat Committee, which represents members of the Sikh community there, has said it will "fight tooth and nail" to stop the government from carrying out the drive. The Meghalaya state cabinet took the decision earlier this week, based on a recommendation by a high-level committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong.
Mr Randhawa, according to an official statement, said he opposes the decision of the Meghalaya government "to evict the Sikhs living in Shillong" and has decided to take up the matter with the Union Home Minister and Meghalaya chief minister.
Two years ago, a Punjab government delegation led by Mr Randhawa had visited Shillong and met members of the Sikh community living there and had assured them at that time too that he would vociferously oppose any move against their displacement.