SHILLONG: Motphran, a war memorial standing at the middle of busy Mawkhar-Barabazar crossings, was once about to be relocated for easing traffic flow. Long over-looked as a nondescript public property and bereft of much public knowledge about its historical background, Motphran has undergone a major image change over.
Thanks to a joint venture of the dorbar shnong of Mawkhar and Wahthapbroo, Motphran (Monument of France), which was erected in memory of the 26th Khasi Labour Corps, who served under the British in France during World War I, wears a refurbished look.
Perhaps, more importantly, the monument has earned a new-found public veneration.
Motphran is usually a bustling place with many vendors and hawkers that sit in the middle of the road and many a time hinder the smooth traffic movement. Its existence seldom came under public gaze, except as an irritant caught in traffic gridlock at the crossings.
Given the COVID-19 situation, the two dorbar shnong decided to remove the hawkers and vendors for heralding the beautification drive.
As restrictions eased, a coat of paint was applied, newly fabricated iron grills and a Khasi traditional motif were fixed before planting flowering saplings all around to create an aura about itself.
Elaborating on this restoring move, headman of Mawkhar, Arwan Tariang told The Shillong Times that there was a plan to beautify the monument way back in 2018 but it was stalled due to some hindrances.
“Our plan and aim was to clean Motphran as a whole and not allow vending. To monitor the cleanliness, beautification and keeping social anti-elements at bay, it became the joint responsibility of the Mawkhar and Wahthapbroo dorbar shnong”, he said.
As for the expenses, it was largely the personal contribution of assistant headman of Mawkhar, Ransom Sutnga, which made it possible.
The flower plants were contributed by restaurateur Kailash Varma on behalf of the “Adverturers”.
Tariang said the message of the two dorbar shnong is not just to beautify Motphran but also to bring about cleanliness in the place and restore the memorial as a symbol of respect for the Khasi Labour Corps.
He said that the Seng Samla Mawkhar, a youth organisation, has also supported the two dorbar shnong.
The Mawkhar dorbar shnong has also kept volunteers to monitor whether health protocols are followed or not.
They also met the Syiem of Hima Mylliem and decided to extend the cleanliness drive to Iewduh.
“We look forward to better cooperation from the public”, Tariang said.
As for the vendors and hawkers, he said that they can discuss with the government on addressing their plight.
However, he said that the hawkers are allowed to carry their items around but would not be allowed to spread merchandise on the ground.
Meanwhile, in a press release, the secretary of Mawkhar dorbar shnong, GEM Kharpuri, informed that as a mark of remembrance and respect to Rev. Thomas Jones, Mawkhar and Wahthapbroo dorbar shnong organised a cleaning drive and planted flowers
Members of both the dorbars of Mawkhar and Wahthapbroo were present on the occasion.
