UPPER SHILLONG: Strong opposition has emerged against the Meghalaya government’s proposal to relocate Anjalee Petrol Pump (M/s Ashok Auto Service) to a new site at 6th Mile, Upper Shillong, with pressure groups alleging that the move involves an extremely undervalued land lease.
Members of the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) along with the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong (Association of Village Elders) of Upper Shillong staged a protest during an official site inspection conducted by the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Mylliem, Bah Toshan Marweiñ.
The inspection team included officials from the Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Department, NHIDCL, and the Mylliem PMU, as well as representatives from the 5th Mile Dorbar Shnong.
FKJGP Vice President Kitboklang Nongphlang strongly criticized the proposal, alleging that the government intends to lease land belonging to the Veterinary Department at a rate of ₹1 per square foot per year.
According to the organization, the plot measures 13,181 square feet, meaning the petrol pump owner would pay only ₹13,181 annually for the land.
Nongphlang further pointed out that the existing Anjalee Petrol Pump occupies roughly 2,000 square feet, while the proposed new site covers more than 13,000 square feet and reportedly includes additional facilities such as a restaurant, car wash, and other commercial amenities.
He warned that the arrangement could potentially allow long-term or hereditary control over the land, which he said could threaten indigenous land rights.
The FKJGP also accused the government of maintaining double standards in land policies, alleging that while local Khasi residents are often removed from government land, large areas are being leased to non-tribal business owners at extremely low rates.
The organization argued that the 6th Mile land should instead be used for public benefit, suggesting projects such as a Feed Mill Plant to support farmers in the region.
The relocation proposal comes after a court order directing the owner of Anjalee Petrol Pump to vacate the current premises within four months, as the land is to be returned to the Defence authorities.
However, the FKJGP insists that the government should negotiate with the Defence authorities regarding the existing site rather than allocating Veterinary Department land for private commercial use.
The FKJGP and the Synjuk ki Nongsynshar Shnong have issued a strong warning to the state government, stating that if the relocation plan is not halted immediately, they will launch strong agitational measures to protect indigenous land and resources.
