SHILLONG: The South East Khasi Hills District Demand Forum met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday for upgradation of Sohra civil sub-division to a district with headquarters in Sohra.
Allan West Kharkongor, spokesperson, told reporters that the chief minister felt it was a “genuine demand” and needed thorough discussion.
“He also said that the government is facing financial constraints. But it did not mean that the state government will not create a district. The residents of Sohra are hopeful,” said Kharkongor.
In a memorandum to Sangma, the forum said creation of a new district is for administrative convenience so that distance between the district headquarters and remote areas is shortened. “If South East Khasi Hills district is created, it will comprise Shella-Bholaganj C&RD Block, which has an area of 417 sq km, and Khatarshnong-Laitkroh C&RD Block, which has an area of 225.40 sq km,” it stated.
The proposed district already fulfils the criterion of size, which is larger than South West Garo Hills district with an area of only 822 sqkm. The present Sohra civil sub-division is a far-flung geographical entity, spread over a large area. Many villages are in the back of beyond. The forum asserted that the establishment of the new South East Khasi Hills district with its headquarters in Sohra will ease the process of administration to a great extent, bringing all sorts of benefits to people directly resulting from an improved, efficient and speedy administration as well as judiciary services.
They pointed out that the presence of the district headquarters in Sohra will boost trade and commerce in the area, including the southern part bordering Bangladesh.
Employment generation is another aspect that the forum highlighted.
As far as land for the office building is concerned, the forum said that people of Sohra are ready to donate land free of cost.
The forum also said the General Administration Department has about 1,075.70 acres in Sohra.
