Sikh settlers in Shillong's Punjabi Lane are safe, says Akali Dal quoting Meghalaya govt report

After the Shiromani Akali Dal's intervention, the Meghalaya government Thursday submitted its report to the Ministry of Home Affairs "assuring the safety" of Punjabi settlers in Shillong, party leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday held a meeting on the issues related to settlers of Punjabi Lane in the capital of Meghalaya, which was attended by the state Chief Secretary PS Thangkhiew and leaders of Akali Dal.

"The report submitted to the Home Ministry by the Meghalaya Government assured the safety and security of Sikhs and Punjabis especially those living in Punjabi Lane area of Shillong," Sirsa said.

Punjabi Lane is inhabited by people from Punjab, who were brought to Shillong around 200 years ago by the British to work as cleaners and sweepers.

An incident of assault in the area in May last year had resulted in group clashes following which it was put under curfew for over a month.

The authorities have served notices to the residents of ...