TURA: Citizens of Rongjeng area in East Garo Hills along with social and student organisations got together on Saturday to call upon the state government to upgrade Rongjeng into a civil sub-division, thereby, fulfilling the age-old demand that has been raised since as long as 1972.
Leaders from Rongjeng, under the aegis of Rongjeng Civil Sub-division Demand Committee, held a joint meeting with the Garo Students Union (GSU), A’chik Students Welfare Association (ASWA), FKJGP and citizens of the area to discuss the issue and to take up the best methods in pursuing the matter.
During the meeting, it was brought to the notice of the public that the demand for upgrading Rongjeng into a civil sub-division was first made by the then MLA of the area, (L) Plinder G Momin.
“This demand was never fulfilled but it continues to be the core issue for all of us,” stated committee president Sengjan Arengh.
The Laskar of Rongjeng also echoed similar words of dissatisfaction lamenting that despite years of raising the issue, no government has fulfilled the aspirations of the people of the area.
“Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had also lent his support with words of encouragement and we are hoping that a positive change will take place under his government,” said ASWA president Mukesh M Marak.
Student leaders also pointed out that Dambo-Rongjeng community and Rural Development Block is one of the oldest established government institutions in Garo Hills. “Dambo-Rongjeng Block was set up in the year 1968, so why hasn’t a civil sub-division been created after more than forty long years?” the public leaders asked.
The Rongjeng Civil Sub-Division Demand Committee, together with other social and student organisations are all set to submit a memorandum to the state government on the issue.
