From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH: Aggrieved with the constant infringement of Assam in Raid Nongtung areas (Block-II) and the need for improvement in the health scenario, the Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong (SRS), Raid Nongtung on Wednesday demanded the upgradation of Mawlasnai Outpost to Police Station and Mawlasnai Primary Health Centre to Community Health Centre (CHC).
A delegation of the SRS comprising of SRS president and Sabuda Rangbah Shnong, B Sohtun, Syiem of Raid Nongtung Miwell Shadap, Khlieh Umwang Rangbah Shnong Jim Lamare and Jatalong Secretary A Bina met Ri Bhoi Deputy SP (Headquarters) B J Laloo and submitted a letter at his office placing their demand for upgradation of the outpost to police station as the nearest Police Station in Umiam is located at a considerable distance from Mawlasnai.
The decision was taken in a meeting of the Dorbar Raid Nongtung held on June 1 last at Mawlasnai which was attended by Shadap and 30 Rangbah Shnong & secretary shnong and 12 Basan (representatives of 12 clans).
According to the letter, the SRS also demanded for the posting of S.I. S B Siangshai or S.I. James Momin as in-charge of Mawlasnai OP as cases relating to destruction of MGNREGS by Assam in Raid Nongtung areas (Block) were taken by them or to post any Khasi speaking officer for communication conveniences.
They however maintained that they had no personal vendetta against the present incharge S.I., S K Marak but have sought the move due to the communication gap arising between him and the villagers.
Responding to the letter submitted by the SRS, Laloo assured of looking into matter in due course with regard to posting of a new in-charge for Mawlasnai OP while with regard to the demand of up gradation to police station he told them that it will be taken up with his higher ups.
Later, the SRS delegation met Ri Bhoi District Medical & Health Officer Dr. Flora Kharkongor at her office and submitted a letter to her demanding for placement of more doctors for Mawlasnai PHC, up gradation of Mawlasnai PHC to CHC beside for allocation of medicines for conflict areas (Raid Nongtung), improvement of staff quarter of the PHC and making the Thadrang Sub Centre operational.
During the course of discussion over their demands, Kharkongor told them that there are only 600 doctors for 29 lakh people in the State thus they are facing a manpower shortage and it is difficult to place more doctors in one particular health centre.
The DM&HO said that she will ensure that the Thadrang Sub Centre is making operational in due course of time and serve the people with the purpose for which it was set up.