Shillong, Nov 28: A High Level Committee (HLC) constituted to find feasible solution to the Them ïew Mawlong issue has asked all “illegal” settlers to evacuate from the place and not wait for the government to evict them, and asked the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) to vacate its temporary office from the board’s staff quarters in order to accommodate genuine settlers who reside at Them ïew Mawlong.

After the fifth sitting of the HLC here on Wednesday, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong who is also the Chairman of the HLC told reporters that the committee has directed the Shillong Municipal Board (SMB) to issue public notices to all residents residing at Them ïew Mawlong area.

He said the settlers were given 16 days time which will end on December 10 to submit their documents and claims as genuine residents to the SMB.

Apart from 128 employees of the SMB residing at Them ïew Mawlong area, an inventory survey found that another 56 employees working in different government departments are also presently residing there, taking the total to 184 employees.

Tynsong said that their families have been identified as those who settle in the area.

He also appealed to all settlers to come forward and submit their documents to the SMB since the government has no intention to discriminate anybody.

“We have also asked the urban affairs minister to look into the matter and ensure that SMB’s office is temporarily shifted to other location till such time its permanent office is ready,” Tynsong said.

Admitting that there may be a shortage of accommodation, he however said the committee will recommend the board to extend house rent allowances for such employees.

He said that the committee will also immediately write to the different departments to take care of the other 56 employees.