SHILLONG: A delegation comprising of Lyngdoh, headman and others from Mawphlang village including NESFAS expeditor, Carl Rangad urged the people of the State to maintain propriety during the International Terra Madre (ITM) festival which will conclude at Mawphlang on November 7.
“We urge the people not indulge in violence (drunken brawls) which derogates the society as a whole and especially to be hospitable to delegates that come here,” president of Synjuk Ki Rangbah Shnong, Mawphlang, D.Y. Kharshiing, said in a press conference here on Thursday.
“We also request the people to cooperate with the volunteers and not to litter indiscriminately, since the Khasi community is considered as one which maintains cleanliness,” he added.
Meanwhile, Rangad informed that over 147 indigenous tribes will converge at Mawphlang.
He added that 58 countries have confirmed participation with over 283 foreign delegates expected to be in the State during the event.
With the international and national taken together around 630 delegates are expected to take part in the event.
To add to it, United Nations observers will be present at the conference to be held on November 3-5 at NEHU.
“At the conference, there will be a deliberation to come up with the Shillong Declaration. At the conference, there will be discussion on the marginalization of indigenous people as well as cultural issues,” he added.
N.K. Lyngdoh of Hima Mawphlang lauded the swift efforts of the PWD in laying out the road to prepare for ITM and the PHE department for erecting international standard toilets at the venue.