Mawkyrwat: Sohkhyllam village under Hima Maharam Syiemship in South West Khasi Hills district started the quasquicentennial celebration in a function held at Dorbar Hall Sohkhyllam on Monday.
Sohkhyllam village, a name derived from a local fruit known as Sohkhyllam, was recognised as a village by the office of the Syiem of Hima Maharam Syiemship in the year 1894 after getting the first Myntri (headman), Ron Lyngdoh. Families have settled in this village in the 1860s, however it was recognised as a village only in 1894.
Deputy Commissioner, Isawanda Laloo graced the occasion as chief guest in the presence of the Syiem of Hima Maharam, Niandro Syiemiong as the guest of honour.
While congratulating the people of Sohkhyllam for reaching 125 years Laloo said, “I believe that the village in those years have encountered many problems and difficulties, but under the leadership and vision of the headmen it has slowly changed and developed”.
While urging the people to be united and work for the growth and development of the village, Laloo said, “Development cannot be brought by the Myntri, village council, women organisations or the government alone, but only if work is done together.”
She also said that the illegal sale of liquor, alcoholic abuse and now drug abuse has become a problem among the youths .
She also informed that in some villages the district administration along with the cooperation of the village dorbars, women organisations and churches have tried hard to eradicate the illegal sale of liquor because it has caused more damage than good.
Others who spoke on the occasion include the Syiem of Hima Maharam, Niandro Syiemiong, headman of Sohkhyllam village, P Wanniang and secretary of the celebration committee, B L Sangriang.