Shillong, Jun 13: Residents of over 40 villages on Saturday marched to protest against the government’s move to relocate the Ri Muliang block office from Nonglang to Tynghor village.
Residents say that the government has backtracked from its promises by proposing to relocate the block office to Tynghor, a village that protesters say “has nothing,” compared to Nonglang that already has education and health facilities.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong during his recent visit to Rambrai announced that the block office would be constructed at Tynghor village, a survey which has already been conducted by the office of the West Khasi Hills deputy commissioner.
“The recent statement made by the deputy chief minister at Rambrai triggered the protest,” Sordar of Nonglang, Ailan Lyngdoh told Highland Post.
He said, “What has been given cannot be taken away for the unknown motive of a few.”
Mirroring the statement that the deputy chief minister once made: “what has been given is given,” Lyngdoh added, “We are holding him to that.”
Residents say that Nonglang already has a higher secondary school, PHC, and veterinary centre. The village had also allotted land for construction of the block office. However, the government’s u-turn has angered and frustrated them.
Village heads accused Rambrai Jyrngam MLA Remington Gabil Momin of attempting to suppress local interests due to his inability to secure support during the recent assembly elections. “He (Momin) acts blameless and says the matter lies with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister,” the sordar added.
Locals say Nonglang is the natural choice as it lies on the route to Nongstoiñ and Riangdo. “Everyone from Langpih and Tynghor passes through Nonglang to reach the civil subdivision and district headquarters. That’s why the block office was set up here,” Lyngdoh said.
The protesters also warned of intensified agitation. “If they invite us to talk, we will talk. If not, more rallies are scheduled,” he said.
The Ri Muliang C&RD Block in West Khasi Hills with its office at Nonglang was inaugurated in November, 2022, covering over 70 villages just ahead of the assembly elections.
