Shillong, May 10: Village leaders from various villages in the Umdohlun-Wahkaji area, along with the Khasi Students’ Union – South West Khasi Hills (KSU – SWKH), met with C&RD Minister Abu Taher Mondal on Wednesday to discuss the long-standing demand for a Community and Rural Development (C&RD) block to be established in the Umdohlun or Wahkaji area.
According to KSU South West Khasi Hills District president, Forwardman Nongrem, there are 44 villages in the area, some of which fall under the Mawkyrwat Block, requiring people to travel 30-60 kilometers to reach Mawkyrwat. Some villages fall under the Ranikor Block, and villagers have to walk for 3-4 hours to reach the Block office.
“This is not a new issue; we have conveyed our message to the State government for the second time. Considering the lack of development faced from time to time, there is a need for the creation of a new C&RD block,” said Nongrem.
C&RD offices act as a bridge between the people and the government, so it is high time for the government to consider the long-standing demands of the people of these 44 villages, added Nongrem.
When asked about the Minister’s assurance, Nongrem stated that the Minister did not give any assurance but promised to take up the matter with the Chief Minister and table it in the cabinet meeting.
It is worth noting that in February 2022, the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Lai Hima Zone, met with the former Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Minister Hamletson Dohling to request a new C&RD block at Wahkaji or Umdohlun in South West Khasi Hills district.
