Northeast Desk 31st July: In a determined effort to push for administrative reforms, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Sawsymper Circle, along with the KSU Balat Border Area Circle and KSU Lawbah Border Area Circle, has announced plans to hold a sit-in demonstration in Mawsynram on August 10. The protest is aimed at compelling the government to upgrade the Mawsynram Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Block to a Civil Sub-Division.
In a recent press briefing, Jiedskhem Nongsiej, General Secretary of KSU South West Khasi Hills, underscored the collective nature of this demand, stating that it is not merely a pressure group initiative but a unified call from the entire Mawsynram community. “Since 2018, the people of Mawsynram have been advocating for this change,” Nongsiej remarked, stressing the persistent efforts of the local population.
Nongsiej highlighted the Mawsynram C&RD Block’s historical significance and vast expanse, making it one of the oldest and largest blocks in Meghalaya. “The Mawsynram C&RD Block covers an area exceeding 5,000 square kilometers, encompassing over 162 villages and housing more than 44,000 inhabitants,” he detailed. This extensive coverage, he argued, necessitates the upgradation to ensure better administrative efficiency and accessibility for the residents.
A significant issue faced by the residents is the considerable distance they must travel to reach Shillong for administrative matters, further justifying the need for a local Civil Sub-Division. Nongsiej emphasized that the upgradation is not just a convenience but a crucial requirement for the region’s effective governance.
Despite repeated efforts, including a formal request for a meeting with the chief minister to discuss the matter, the KSU has yet to receive a response. This lack of engagement from the government has led to the decision to stage the sit-in demonstration, hoping to draw substantial attention to the community’s needs and prompt the government to take necessary action.