Editor,
Apropos the letter to the editor, “Glimpses from the Past”(ST Nov19, 2014) A Lyngdoh gave a lot of insights into the history of our capital city Shillong. I would like to invite him or anyone interested to add some valuable lines or correction if any in my study of the East Khasi Hills District and Shillong with special reference to the East Khasi Hills District Police. The erstwhile United Khasi & Jaintia Hills District Police since the inception of the state of Meghalaya on 21 January 1972 had a large jurisdiction over the eastern part of the State. On February 1972, it was bifurcated into Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills, leaving the Khasi Hills District with only 3(three) Police Stations i.e. Sohra Police Station, Shillong Police Station and Nongpoh Police Station. Khasi Hills District was again divided into two districts, viz the East Khasi Hills District and the West Khasi Hills District on 28th October 1976 and subsequently, on June 4th, 1992, East Khasi Hills District was further divided into two administrative districts of East Khasi Hills District and Ri-Bhoi District. The Beat Houses within the jurisdiction of Shillong Sadar Police Station vide a notification Dated 2 June 1992, were upgraded into full fledged Police Stations. East Khasi Hills District Police having a jurisdiction stretching over an area of about 2,748 Sq.Kms sharing the International border with Bangladesh on the South and Interstate borders with Ri-Bhoi District on the North, West Khasi Hills district and South West Khasi Hills district on the West and West Jaintia Hills district on the East. With a population of 8,25, 922 (2011 Census), it is the most populous district of Meghalaya. Covering low lying terrains and high rise slopes with its scenic beauty it attracts large numbers of foreign and domestic tourists.
The East Khasi Hills District Police is catering to the safety and security of the people by maintaining law and order in the entire area. Its jurisdiction comprises 1(one) Sohra Sub-Division and 2(two) Circles i.e. Mawsynram Circle and Shillong Circle headed by a Superintendent of Police. The Office of the Superintendent of Police is located at Shillong the district headquarters and the Capital of the state at the same time.
‘Sohra’, Sub Division of the district also known as Cherrapunjee was once the capital of Assam during British India, the old administrative headquarters of the Khasis. In 1820 it was made the official headquarters of the British Raj in the United Khasi and Jaintia hills. The settlement was called “Cherra Station”. The First Police Station in the state also date backs to 1885 at Sohra.
Yours etc.,
S.K. Thapa,
Shillong-1.
Think global, act local
Editor,
The news item “Ri Bhoi’s rendezvous with Amur Falcons (ST November 8, 2014) is really an eye opener. There is a general apathy and ignorance about our natural surroundings and what we could contribution to the outside world. Most often we are reminded about our natural wealth by visitors from outside. Having said that, let me share another dimension about Amur Falcons which are wild migratory birds and which are considered as the potential carriers of HPA/(H5Nl)OR(Avian influenza) virus which manifests as the ‘Bird Flu’ which threatens to become a global threat with the potential for a human pandemic. These wild migratory falcons already listed by the National Wildlife Health Center, USA, usually have a definite roadmap or flight path to every destination. Hence the entry and exit points along with their flight paths within our areas should be established and made known to the public so that we are prepared for the consequences. To have these birds visiting us during these winter months under our natural conditions gives us a pleasant feeling especially since most bird watchers go all the way to Nagaland to see the Amur Falcon. However, as already stated the Wildlife
Division of the Forest Department should map the routes of these birds and give us the correct information about their flight paths so that we can remain alert and are able to stay one step ahead of the dangers awaiting us.
Yours etc.,
Evakordor Hynniewta
College of Veterinary Science,
Assam