Building bridges: KHADC delegation visits Block II

NONGPOH, July 3: In an endeavour to promote peace and harmony in areas along the border with Assam, a Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) team visited the Raid Nongtung area in Block II on Monday.
The team comprising chief executive member (CEM), Pyniaid Sing Syiem and members of his Executive Council visited the disputed border area with the objective of connecting with the residents and prioritising their well-being.
Syiem received a warm welcome from Avijit Kro, a member of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and his team. The delegation convened a meeting at Ummat village before proceeding to inspect the Mawbah ki 12 Kur of Raid Nongtung.
These sacred sites are where rituals and ceremonies take place after the cremated remains of the deceased are laid to rest.
The KHADC team included Pynshngain N Syiem (deputy CEM), Lamphrang Blah (chairman), Charles Marngar (deputy chairman), and Rangkynsai Kharbuki and Teibor Pathaw (both executive members). Local leaders from various villages were also present during the inspection.
Pyniaid Syiem emphasised the council’s objective of maintaining peace and preserving the heritage of the area. He underscored the district council’s responsibility to safeguard the land, traditions, and culture handed down through the ages.
“To fulfil this commitment, the council plans to develop a special preservation scheme for Mawbah ki 12 Kur in Raid Nongtung (within Ummat village),” he said, urging the Karbi and Khasi people residing in the area to actively contribute to the peace-building efforts.
Furthermore, he announced some collaborative efforts between KHADC and KAAC to ensure peace in the region. The council seeks to facilitate a successful dialogue ahead of the border talks between Assam and Meghalaya for Block II, he said.
The council received valuable suggestions from the village leaders and its own members serving on the Regional Committee for the border talks, Pynïaid Syiem said.
He assured that the people’s suggestions would be carefully considered.
The joint visit by the KHADC and KAAC teams indicates a significant step towards fostering peace, understanding, and cooperation in the border region. These collaborative efforts are expected to yield a positive outcome.