Arson triggers worries over road project in SWKH

MAWKYRWAT, Aug 14: The people of Umdohlun, Wahkaji and Warsan Lyngdoh of South West Khasi Hills are worried about the fate of Nongstoin-Wahkaji Intermediate Road project.
Their anxiety stems from two incidents in 10 months wherein the miscreants burned down two trucks belonging to Vozrozhdenie, a Russian company which is executing the project. They fear if such acts continue, the company might abandon the project.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) on Two Lane Road Nongstoin-Wahkaji, an umbrella body of various groups which fought to get the road, condemned the two incidents – one occurred at Mawthungkper village in West Khasi Hills district earlier this month and the other at Rangblang village, South West Khasi Hills in October last year. Secretary of the JAC on Two-Lane Road Nongstoin-Wahkaji, Zandy Marthong told reporters on Monday that the JAC cannot accept such “savage” acts as they will affect the overall development of the area.
“From now onwards, if we find people indulging in such kind of savage act, stern action will be taken against them. They will be handed over to the authority concerned,” Marthong warned.
The JAC urged the deputy commissioners of both districts to ensure the smooth implementation of the project, stating that if such incidents continue to take place, the company might be forced to abandon the project and the local people will suffer.
“We urge the police to take the matter very seriously and ensure that it does not happen again,” Marthong said.
The JAC has decided to write to all headmen, who are its members, to be alert and help in maintaining peace and tranquility. It also decided to request them to work together with the construction company and PWD officials so that there is no obstruction to work.
“We will soon meet the DCs of the two districts and the PWD officials to discuss all these issues. We fear that such acts of some people might bring misery to the general public,” Marthong said.