JOWAI: Thousands of Niamtre faithful marched to the West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner’s Office here with black flags in protest against the administration for not declaring a local holiday on account of the Behdeinkhlam festival of the Sein Raij Tuber.
‘Ki Khon ka Niamtre’ – Niamtre faithful belonging to Sein Raij Tuber, organised a procession along National Highway-44 from Mihmyntdu to the DC’s Office in protest against the decision of the district administration to not declare July 24 as a local holiday on account of the biggest festival – Tuber Behdeinkhlam.
The faithful from various villages including Mihmyntdu, Sabahmuswanng and Khliehtyrshi, besides others thronged the DC’s office with black flags to request him to declare a local holiday. However, the DC, PS Dkhar, was not available.
The Niamtre elders could only meet the Additional Deputy Commissioner who informed them that no decision could be taken since the DC was not in his chamber.
The Behdeinkhlam festival of the Sein Raij Tuber will conclud on Thursday.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma will grace the religious celebration as the chief guest.