From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: The Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council through its member F K Ryntathiang has submitted a petition to the Minister PWD (Roads) H D R Lyngdoh, regarding the improvement of Mawshynrut-Hahim Road.
In the petition, he mentioned that the road was at the worst possible stage and that it was imperative that the Govt came to their rescue. The route, he mentioned, with the inclement weather is worsening everday. He further said that during the summers only four-wheelers would be able to ply through the route.
He thanked the minister for his initiative that after his visit to the area, survey of the road is taking place for the proposed two-lane road.
Ryntathiang also informed that he had some information that a proposal for the “Upgradation of Mawsynrut-Hahim Road amounting to Rs 1869.30 lakh is awaiting approval at the Planning Department.
Ryntathiang urged the govt to call the NGOs (KSU, GSU and Ri-Nongtrai of the area) enforcing the blockade from Wednesday for talks to avoid any untoward incidents.
Meanwhile the 500 hour blockade called jointly by the KSU (Mawsynrut Circle), GSU (Aradonga area) and the Synjuk Rangbah Shnong Ri- Nongtrai began on a peaceful note at 5 AM Wednesday morning . However, later, they brought out an effigy of the local MLA Francis Pandit Sangma and set it on fire in front of the Block Development Office at Mawsynrut to mark their protest. All trucks were off-road and only local trucks were seen plying around the route.
There were around 50 protesters in all from all the Unions including the Sirdar of the area.The spokesperson of the Ri-Nongtrai, Isaac Rongrin,urged the govt to look into their demands for the greater interest of the area.