Shillong, Feb 2: The Narpuh Border Area Joint Action Committee (NBAJAC) on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma for creation of a new C&RD Block office at Lumshnong.

General secretary of the NBAJAC, DaIapherbha Lamare, said that the JAC which represents the inhabitants and representative of Narpuh Border Area and adjoining villages has apprised the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on the need for creation of a C&RD Block office at Lumshong.

Lamare said that the meeting was a fruitful one as the Chief Minister has assured that creation of new C&RD Block will be announced in the next Budget session.

Lamare said the meeting was to apprise the CM that villages under Narpuh Border area and other adjoining villages are located far too remotely, making it difficult to travel. Putting the distance into perspective, he said the travelling distance from Malidor to Khliehriat is about 100 km let alone to Wapung which is still farther from Khliehriat, the distance from Huroi, Hingaria is unspeakable as the road from these villages is not motorable especially in monsoon time where the road is more like a paddy filed, making traversing for the people from these particular villages a ‘Mission Impossible’.

“The people of our area depends on farming, with the shifting of the C&RD Block office to Wapung, the people of the region are secluded and isolated further from the Office of the C&RD Block, villagers will have more difficulty in visiting and accessing the office for various Government schemes provided through the C&RD Block, especially like MNGREGS,” said Lamare.

“The villages of Narpuh Border area has always lacked behind in development and overall progress, this is due to the fact that Government Offices are far off and people from our area find it very difficult to travel to towns and cities where Government offices are located. A single journey to Wapung would cost the poor villagers more than Rs. 600/- only which is more than their daily earning and if it happens that the Officers are not available or present in Office, then a day is wasted, the pocket of the poor farmer is wasted,” he added.

He futher informed of the readiness of the Dorbar Shnong of Lumshuong to give a huge plot of land alongwith the multi storey RCC building for the C&RD Block as a gift, should a new C&RD Block be created at Lumshnong.

“The requirement for a new C&RD Block at Lumshnong to cater to the people of the Narpuh area is in line with the principle of equity, therefore, we the inhabitants and representative of Narpuh Border Area and adjoining villages humbly appeal and request the Government under the capability of Conrad K Sangma to hear the plight of the people of Narpuh area by creating a new C&RD Block at Lumshnong for the best interest of the inhabitants of the area,” said Lamare.