SHILLONG, Aug 25 � Villagers led by Nonkrem constituency legislator Ardent Basaiawmoit today halted the road construction work being carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF) near Upper Shillong, claiming that the Public Works Department and not the IAF own the stretch of road.
�The IAF does not own this stretch of road and the construction of the road was being done to eventually put up obstacles for local villagers to go to their agricultural fields,� Basaiawmoit claimed.
The IAF, having its Eastern Command headquarters here, maintain that it owns the 1.5 km stretch of approach road leading to one of its stations near the Shillong Peak in Upper Shillong.
�The Station Commander wanted to widen the dilapidated road and also put up street lights. He has the necessary permission from East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner, but due to protest the work was stopped,� an IAF officials said.
Basaiawmoit, the local legislator, has been demanding from time to time that the IAF should remove all barricades in the area. He says such barricades on the road cause harassment to the local villagers.
