SHILLONG, APR 16: BJP leader and Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek on Thursday said he has held talks with central BJP leaders to tap schemes like Swadesh Darshan and PRASAD for developing key religious and cultural sites in Meghalaya, including Seng Khasi Kmie, Behdienkhlam, Nongsawlia Church and Mawjymbuin cave.
“I had discussion with some central leaders of the BJP and they told me there are some schemes which can develop the religious sites, like the Swadesh darshan or the Prasad scheme,” Hek said.
He said the party has identified sites for development after discussions with state leaders.
“We want to develop the Seng Khasi Kmie, one of the religious sites which is the need of the hour to develop that sites and also Behdienkhlam in Jaintia Hills and also for the benefits of the Niamtre,” he said.
Hek added that proposals for cultural tourism were also suggested.
“They have also suggested sending a proposal for the cultural centre and cultural tourism under Khyriem Syiemship for the Shad Nongkrem,” he said.
On historic churches, he said, “I have also proposed this to my central leaders regarding the first Christian Church in Meghalaya may be in North East which is the Presbyterian Church at Nongsawlia Sohra.”
Regarding the Mawjymbuin cave in Mawsynram, Hek said the Dorbar Shnong would decide.
“I told him (assistant headman of Mawsynram area) very clearly, it is not a BJP scheme, it is not the government scheme but it belongs to the village scheme,” he said.
He clarified the BJP’s role in the process. “This is not directly from the party, we will ask for their proposal, we will send their proposal to the government of India, we will assist them,” Hek added.
