The decision by BJP Rajya Sabha MP, Rakesh Sinha to adopt Kongthong, also known as Meghalaya’s whistling village, has been strongly criticised by the headman of the village “as it was done without taking the village authority into confidence”.
Kongthong situated in Khat-ar-shnong area under Sohra constituency is known for its unique practice where villagers communicate with each other using whistling instead of names. The village falls under Hima Sohra and is looked after by the Sordar Raid appointed by the Syiem of Sohra.
Sinha announced his decision to adopt Kongthong on August 15, 2020 during his visit to the village where a programme was held to observe India’s 74th Independence Day. He also visited the village on Republic Day (January 26) this year to pursue his developmental initiatives.
However, in a statement issued today, the Sordar of Raid Kongthong, Sylloklang Majaw said that he was surprised with the implementation of various developmental schemes in the village by Sinha without the knowledge of the village authorities. He also questioned the BJP MP for stating that the village has been neglected and left to fend for itself.
Majaw also said that the proposals by Indigenous Agro-Tourism Cooperative Society (IACTS) secretary, Rothel Khongsit on March 6 at the meeting of the Village Employment Committee (VEC) for implementation of various schemes sanctioned by the BJP Rajya Sabha MP “were rejected by the people as it was done without the knowledge of the village authorities”.
“The Rajya Sabha MP (Sinha) has announced in the media that he will adopt our village and turn it into a model village. This was done without our knowledge. Kongthong has not at all been neglected as the MP thought,” Majaw said adding the various developmental schemes have been implemented in the past till date through the previous and present MLAs and MDCs of Sohra constituency and also through various government departments.
“To say that Kongthong has been neglected is a complete falsehood,” Majaw said even as he urged government agencies, welfare organisations and individuals wanting to develop the village to do so after prior consultation with the village dorbar.
