KSU holds sit-in at Malki, presses for upgrade of C&RD block
By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 4: In a rare show of unity, the National People’s Party (NPP) and Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Friday backed the KSU’s long-standing demand for the creation of Mawsynram civil subdivision, during a sit-in demonstration here.
The sit-in demonstration was organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) Sawsymper, Balat and Lawbah units, at Malki Ground and was attended by former Mawsynram MLA HM Shangpliang (NPP), Mawsynram MDC Alvin K. Sawkmie (NPP), and VPP leader Rusievan Shangpliang.
Addressing the gathering, Shangpliang recalled that he had consistently raised the issue of upgrading Mawsynram C&RD Block to a civil subdivision in every Assembly session during his tenure as MLA.
Shangpliang shared that while the chief minister had often stated that the matter was under review, no final decision has been made in this regard.
The NPP leader emphasised that this demand, deeply rooted in the aspirations of Mawsynram residents, is long overdue.
Shangpliang also informed the crowd that a government committee, led by the Chief Secretary, is examining the demand, along with similar requests from other areas.
VPP’s Rusievan, on the other hand, stressed that Mawsynram C&RD Block is one of the most deserving of such an upgrade.
Noting that other blocks created later in the state had already been upgraded to civil subdivisions, the VPP leader urged the state government to respond favorably to the genuine demands of the people of Mawsynram.
KSU slams state
government over delay
Meanwhile, the KSU criticised the state government for failing to deliver on promises to bring the administration closer to the people, despite repeated assurances.
KSU South West Khasi Hills president, Forwardman Nongrem, expressed frustration over the government’s inaction.
“The union has been highlighting this demand for the past 24 years, yet there has been no concrete action,” Nongrem said.
He reminded the gathering that the state government had previously promised to address their demands, but no steps have been taken.
Nongrem cast aspersions on the government’s claims of bringing administration closer to the people, stating that the delay in upgrading Mawsynram block shows a lack of seriousness.
He emphasised that Mawsynram block, established 62 years ago, deserves to be upgraded to a civil subdivision, citing its population of 50,000 (as per the 2011 census), which, he added, has likely grown to 60,000-70,000.
Nongrem also highlighted the geographical challenge, noting that while the distance from Dalu to Tura is around 30-32 km, Mawsynram is 69 km from Shillong, and the distance from its border areas to the state capital exceeds 100 km.
Nongrem pointed out that in 2022, other C&RD blocks like Dalu, Rongjeng, and Jengjal were upgraded, despite having similar population sizes to Mawsynram.
The KSU made it clear that they will continue to press for the block’s upgrade until their demands are met.