The recent promise by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has promised to upgrade Mairang civil sub-division into a new district in the State has caused a flutter among people of Sohra and Shella constituencies.
It may be recalled that Sangma made the announcement at a function held in Manai village near Mairang on March 31 where Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh and cabinet minister Brolding Nongsiej were also present.
Sangma also informed that a high level committee headed by the Chief Secretary is working on the official procedures needed for creation of the new district which will cover all areas under Mairang and Mawthadraishan constituencies presently part of West Khasi Hills district.
The announcement by Sangma that Mairang would be given district status has disappointed many residents of Sohra and Shella who felt betrayed by the present government.
Since 2018, prominent people including headmen of various villages under Sohra and Shella constituencies have formed the South East Khasi Hills District Demand Forum to pursue the demand for upgradation of Sohra civil sub-division into a full-fledged district.
It may be noted that Sohra civil sub-division is one of the oldest civil sub-divisions in the State.
The demand was also strongly supported by former Assembly Speaker late Dr. Donkupar Roy.
On October 1, 2018, a delegation of the Forum had also met Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and submitted a memorandum to him regarding upgradation of Sohra civil sub-division into a district with its head-quarter at Sohra.
Even during the funeral of Dr. Donkupar Roy on July 31, 2019, several local leaders including senior UDP functionaries had requested the chief minister to upgrade Sohra civil sub-division into a district as a fitting tribute to late Dr. Roy.
