Local bodies oppose transfer of officials in NGH
TURA: The Garo Indigenous Development Forum (GIDF) from Kharkutta and the FKJGP in Mendipathar of North Garo Hills have urged the state government to revoke the transfer orders given to two government officials in the district. The two organisations, on Monday petitioned the state government to put on hold the transfers of Kharkutta C&RD Block BDO, P R Marak and MCS Officer from Resubelpara, P K Boro stating that the officials were still needed in their poatings. According to the organisations, while the order for Marak’s transfer elsewhere was received on June 3, P K Boro, who is currently serving at Resubelpara is set to be transferred to Mawkhyrwat in Khasi Hills. Earlier, several other organisations from the region including the A’chik Holistic Awakening Movement (AHAM), the local unit of the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) along with presidents and secretaries of VECs and Nokmas and laskers had organised a public rally in opposition to the transfer orders given to the officials.
MUPF demands replacement of damaged transformer in EJH
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya People’s United Front-Khliehriat Circle (MPUF-Khliehriat Circle) raised a concern over a damaged transformer and demanded its replacement. The organisation led by President Kyrshan Blah placed a memorandum in the office of MeECL Moowakhu Khliehriat distribution Division, East Jaintia Hills (EJH) to replace a damaged transformer at Khliehriat East, EJH. The organisation alleged that the transformer was damaged since June 16 and urged the MePDCL, Moowakhu to speed up the replacement process so that the students do not face trouble while studying.
Broomstick listed as agro-forestry plantation
SHILLONG: Agriculture Minister Banteidor Lyngdoh informed that broomstick has been included and registered as an agro-forestry plantation. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said the development will benefit the farmers as they will not have to pay tax for broomstick any longer but will only incur the transportation costs. “It is a memorable day for the farmers of Khasi, Jaintia and Garo areas as they have been yearning long for this. The notification was out on June 14,” he said. He said the step taken by the department will boost agriculture and address the grievances of the farmers. However, he expressed concern over the operation of middlemen who take advantage of farmers. When asked about the uniform pricing for broomstick, Lyngdoh said the department will work on the matter even as he showed that many farmers in the state will have different take on the pricing considering the transportation and accessibility. Recently, Long peppar and tej pata has been recognised as agricultural crop recently.
Inquiry into ‘illegal’ sawmill
SHILLONG: The United A.chik Youth Federation has petitioned the Chief Conservator of Forest, Social Forestry and Environment, East Khasi Hills asking the department to conduct inquiry into an alleged illegal sawmill operated by Tiperson G Momin at Chibak village in South West Khasi Hills. The organisation in a letter to the Chief Conservator of Forest, Social Forestry and Environment alleged that Tiperson G Momin, who is a headmaster of a school is illegally operating a sawmill without having permission from the competent authority since years. He said that due to the operation of the sawmill, a number of illegal falling of trees is taking place in and around the village. The president of the organisation, Sanggra Marak in the letter stated that the sawmill must be closed down by the authorities.
Awareness on drug abuse
JOWAI: The East Jaintia Hills Police has organised two awareness programmes as part of International Day against Drugs abuse and illicit trafficking celebration. The programmes were held at Dkhiah West Presbyterian Secondary school on Friday and Khliehriat Higher Secondary School on Monday. Resource persons for the event included T Kyndiah, DCPO, East Jaintia Hills, J Nongtdu of Khliehriat OST Centre, Programme Manager, MCSWA R Biam and officers of East Jaintia Hills Anti Narcotics Task Force (ANTF). The program witnessed the participation of hundreds of students and teachers. Meanwhile, the Anti Drug abuse and illicit trafficking programme will be observed at Lion Mission Dorbar Hall on 26 June 26 at 10 am in West Jaintia Hills.
National pageant finalist
SHILLONG: Sonavia L Nonglait has been selected to enter the Grand Finale of the Miss National Pageant India 2019 to be held in Kolkata on July 20. Sonavia is a resident of Sumer Saw Numbor, Ri Bhoi and has recently completed her matriculation. She is also a member of Wansai Fusion, a dance group. Nonglait comes from a poor family but has prospered ahead to showcase her talent.