Laban-Mawprem MDC Ricky Shullai has asked Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to initiate a discussion with the central government over the reversion of Garrison Ground to a space freely accessible by the public.
This is not a new request but Shullai’s current move draws inspiration from the recent handover of 106.85 acres by Assam Rifles to the Mizoram government in Aizawl in March.
Known locally as Madan Krikit, it hosted the first Ranji Trophy match to be played in Shillong, back in 1948. The ground, now under the control of the army, has also been the scene for other moments of great historical significance, such as the swearing-in of Assam’s first Chief Minister Gopinath Bordoloi (1947), oath-taking of Meghalaya’s first CM, Capt Williamson A Sangma (1972) where Prime Minister Indira Gandhi was in attendance, visit by cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, etc.
The ground, Shullai said, was once the pride of Laban and Greater Shillong but has gradually been fenced off and brought under military control, cutting off access to future generations.
He appealed to the CM to formally write to the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Defence requesting the land’s transfer back to the people, though with the potential for it to be shared with the army.
“Madan Krikit is part of Laban’s and Meghalaya’s soul. We have a duty to reclaim it for our youth, our history and our future. Let us take inspiration from Mizoram and bring our ground back to the people,” Shullai said.
