SHILLONG, Nov 27: Revenue Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Thursday announced that a meeting will be convened in the second week of December to decide on the course of action for evicting alleged illegal occupants from Maxwelton Estate and Mahadev Khola.

The decision came following a meeting with a delegation of the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), which has been demanding immediate eviction of unauthorized settlers from the two locations.

Speaking to reporters, Rymbui said the government intends to examine the matter thoroughly before initiating action.

“I have to call a meeting of the Revenue Department and the Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) to understand the full facts. When there is a judgment in favour of the government declaring that the land at Maxwelton Estate belongs to the government, then why not take possession of it and evict these so-called illegal settlers?” he stated.

He assured that the issue will be discussed in detail and the government will communicate clearly on why there has been inaction so far.

Rymbui also informed that the KSU delegation had apprised him of a court settlement between the government and one of the land claimants, under which the government must pay compensation.

“Having said that, Maxwelton has more than one claimant. There are also settlers. So now the issue is how to go about the eviction process, and all of this will be discussed in the meeting,” he said.

On the situation at Mahadev Khola, Rymbui admitted he is yet to receive detailed information.

“I do not know much about that land. So, the Mahadev Khola issue will also be included in the meeting to understand the legality of the land, the status of the occupants, and the way forward,” he added.