SHILLONG, May 25: Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh has announced that Mawber village, located in the Mawkynrew constituency of East Khasi Hills, will be declared a heritage site.
The decision recognizes the historical importance of the village, where Rev. Thomas Jones—the father of the Khasi alphabet—once lived in 1847 before leaving for Kolkata (formerly Calcutta).
Speaking at the inauguration of tourism projects in Mawber and Laitlum, Lyngdoh stressed the need to highlight the village’s connection to Rev. Jones.
“The world needs to know about the link between Mawber and Rev. Thomas Jones,” he stated.
Rev. Jones and his wife, Anne Jones, arrived in Sohra on June 22, 1841, where they established the first permanent mission among the Khasis. He played a pivotal role in developing the Khasi alphabet and in advancing literacy and literature in the region.
However, few are aware that he spent time in Mawber before fleeing to Kolkata, just two years before his death in 1849.
The Tourism Minister also shared updates on ongoing tourism development projects in the Mawkynrew constituency. These include a Rs 5 crore project in Nongjrong, an Rs 8 crore project in Mawlyngot, and another project in Jongksha spanning 23 acres.
Additionally, Rs 97 lakh has been sanctioned for fencing work at Laitlum, and Rs 29.97 lakh for a project in Mawber.
Local MLA Banteidor Lyngdoh, officials from the Public Works Department (Roads), the Tourism Department, and traditional leaders were present at the inauguration ceremony.
