SHILLONG: Dikkibandi Stadium which was initially known as the Tura MP stadium has always been the centre of battle between former Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma and the family of Purno Sangma over frequent name change of the stadium.
The NPP-led MDA Government has now once again changed the name of “Dikkibandi stadium to “PA Sangma Stadium”.
The decision to change the name of the stadium was taken during a cabinet meeting held here on Friday. Meghalaya Home Minister, James Sangma while speaking to media persons said that Tura MP Stadium had a very loose name `Dikkibandi’ Stadium and the name has been changed since there is popular demand to change the name of the stadium to PA Sangma stadium
He said that the majority of the money spent for construction of the stadium was by provided by late PA Sangma during his tenure as an MP and as there is a popular demand, the Government has acknowledgement his contribution by changing the name of the stadium
Earlier, the Cabinet also decided to change the name of many roads and localities in the state based on the 24 recommendations of the Meghalaya State Names Authorities Committee
James Sangma informed that the road from Mawlai-Mawroh-Mawkynrew-Umshing–Mawtawar-Nongkyllew-Mawsiatkhnam-Madan Mawkhar under Mawlai constituency has been renamed as St Mother’s Teresa Road.
Similarly, names of roads within Greater-Laban Area have also been changed. Howell Road Laban has been renamed as Thranghok J Rangad Road while the Zikzak Road at Rilbong has been renamed as Ardhendu Chaudhuri Road.
The ADB Road Batti Bazaar at Laban will be renamed as Roland Lyngdoh Road while the Sylhettipara Road in Laban will be renamed as Khrep Sing Swer Road.
The Jackson Trace Road at Lower Lumparing was renamed as Milanton Kharkongor Road
The Government also decided that Kynshi-Raishan village will now be known as Kynshi village.
In addition, the road starting from the arrival junction in Tura which connects to the AMPT road has been renamed as PA Sangma Road, adding the road from Gordon Bhagyakul within Laitumkhrah has been renamed as Lumtngenjai.