Meghalaya: HYC Threatens Further Action if ‘Illegal Settlers’ Not Removed From Lum Survey

HYC to intensity drive if no action is taken against the settler after August 19

The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), a pressure group in Meghalaya, has threatened to resume their eviction drive in the Lum Survey area if the Defence Estate Officer (DEO), Guwahati, fails to remove the “illegal settlers” from the region.

On May 23, the HYC evicted at least 80 “illegal settlers” from Lum Survey, dismantling their shanties and ordering them to vacate the area. In response, the Meghalaya police registered a case against the HYC, imposing a ban on their entry into Lum Survey.

To address the situation, the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner convened a meeting today with representatives from the HYC, the Cantonment Board, and the Superintendent of Police’s office.

Following the meeting, HYC President Roy Kupar Synrem informed the media that residents of Lum Survey have sought a stay order from the court. The matter is scheduled for a court hearing on August 19.

“The HYC, which has been actively combating drug-related issues in Shillong, East Khasi Hills, and Jaintia Hills, discovered that Lum Survey is a significant hub for drug peddling, with drugs being distributed to other parts of the state. In response, we dismantled the homes of those we identified as illegal settlers. Since then, we have faced a ban on entering the area, and several cases have been filed against us,” Synrem explained.

“We have also learned that some drug peddlers have taken residence in the area. During today’s meeting, we raised this concern with the defense personnel and urged immediate action,” Synrem added.

“However, we were informed that the court has issued a stay order until August 19. The defense personnel indicated that eviction actions would only proceed after that date. If no action is taken against the settlers after August 19, then the HYC will be compelled to take similar measures to those we resorted to on May 23,” Synrem stated.

The HYC has previously asserted that when community interests are at stake, they will not wait for government or authority intervention to address issues.

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