A meeting convened by East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Rosetta M Kurbah on Thursday has resolved the standoff between the Dorbar Shnong of Golflink and the Shillong Club over the management and use of the historic Shillong Golf Course. The meeting, attended by members of the Shillong Club’s Board of Directors, representatives of the Dorbar Shnong, Seng Samla members, and local MLA Alexander Laloo Hek, came a day after the Dorbar Shnong shut the gates of the iconic course, alleging lack of response from the club despite repeated attempts at dialogue.
Following the talks, the Dorbar Shnong agreed to reopen the gates after the Shillong Club accepted all key demands and assured close coordination with the shnong on matters related to the golf course. The demands included free entry for Golflink residents, especially for morning walks, access to the R.V. Lyngdoh Ground (Madan Saw) for community use by four localities-Mawlai Mawroh, Golflink, Lumshyiap and Pynthorbah-and provision of employment opportunities for local youth, particularly in security roles. Speaking after the meeting, Rangbah Shnong Michael Hek said the club has agreed not to charge entry fees from Golflink residents and to allow use of the Madan Saw playground. He added that the Shnong would reopen the gates and has no objection to entry fees being levied on visitors from outside the locality.