NGOs,farmers oppose construction of Assembly building in farmland

Shillong, Dec 7 (UNI) Peeved with the Meghalaya government's decision to construct the new Assembly building in a farmland, the Hynniewtrep People's Social Organisation(HPSO) and Civil Society Women's Organisation(CSWO) have decided to stage a black flag demonstration at tomorrow's foundation stone laying ceremony.

''We have decided to oppose construction of the new Assembly building in the farmland as it will be a great loss to the farmers' of the state,'' HPSO Chairman Kyrshan War told UNI here today.

Mr War said the HPSO and CSWO would also approach the court, seeking a stay order to direct the government to stop the construction of the new building.

He said his organisation had also suggested to the state High Power Committee to construct the Assembly building at the original location at Khyndailad (police bazaar) The foundation stone will be laid by Governor M M Jacob in Upper Shillong here tomorrow in presence of Chief Minister J D Rymbai and his cabinet colleagues and Assembly Speaker Martin M Danggo.

''We have decided to go ahead with tomorrow's programme,'' Assembly Secretary W M Rymbai said.

The construction of the new building was necessitated after the historic Assembly building was reduced to ashes on January 9, 2001.

The original Assembly building, made of Burmese teak in gothic style, was located at Khyndailad.

Earlier, the Speaker had said 5.3 acres of land had been acquired. The initial cost estimate of the new building, made four years ago, was Rs 22 crore.

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