MAWKYRWAT, Aug 19: The KSU and Synjuk ki Seng Samla Shnong from South West Khasi Hills have demanded of the state government to immediately transfer the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Mawkyrwat Block, FB Basan, for his alleged display of high-handedness at Mawkyrwat market on Tuesday.
The demand from the groups comes two days after the BDO was gheraoed by the infuriated shopkeepers, numbering more than 200, at the market, in protest against the alleged high-handedness.
On Thursday, the groups alleged that the BDO had not only disrespected women shopkeepers and damaged goods at the market but had also made derogatory remarks against the people of the district.
Speaking to media persons on Thursday, chairman of the Samla Shnong, SWKH, Wallam Syiemiong, said, “Despite the hardships faced in these two years due to COVID-19 pandemic, our people have remained patient and cooperated with the district administration. But the inability to build relationship and the disrespectful attitude on the part of the BDO Mawkyrwat block against general public, especially shopkeepers in Mawkyrwat Market, have made the people so angry and compelled them to surround him and demand explanation,” Syiemiong said.
“The irresponsible action of this officer has affected the whole district administration of South West Khasi Hills because the people are now fed up with the BDO and it seems they don’t want to cooperate with the administration anymore, which is not a good sign. As NGOs, we don’t want that to happen because it will bring a lot of problems,” he added.
The groups have, meanwhile, beseeched the people of the district to strictly adhere to COVID-19 protocols issued by the government during their visits to public places.a
