Nnongstoin, October 15: The Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP), West Khasi Hills District, has urged the Meghalaya Government to expedite the finalisation of the inter-state boundary with Assam and address several development issues relating to healthcare, education, road connectivity, tourism, sports and urban infrastructure in the district.
In a representation submitted to the government, the organisation expressed concern over recurring disputes along the Meghalaya-Assam border, alleging that Assam government officials had recently obstructed the construction of an Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centre sanctioned by the Meghalaya Government.
The FKJGP maintained that residents of the disputed areas, along with traditional heads, including Syiems, Sirdars and village headmen, had expressed their desire to remain under Meghalaya’s administration. It argued that the possession of dual Electoral Photo Identity Cards (EPICs) by certain individuals should not be considered sufficient evidence to determine whether a village or Hima belongs to Assam.
The organisation said it had visited several border villages and held discussions with traditional authorities, stressing that a permanent settlement of the boundary dispute was necessary to prevent further tensions. It also demanded the strengthening of the Langpih and Mallangkona Border Out Posts (BOPs) by providing proper infrastructure, secure buildings and additional security personnel. The FKJGP pointed out that the Assam outpost opposite Langpih was better equipped than the Meghalaya facility.
Healthcare Facilities and Medical Staffing : Highlighting the shortage of specialised healthcare services in West Khasi Hills, the organisation called for the establishment of a cancer wing and dialysis centre, along with the appointment of qualified medical specialists. It sought improved paediatric and neonatology services at the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) facility and the appointment of neurologists, gynaecologists, ophthalmologists, radiologists, pathologists and biochemists.
The FKJGP also demanded the upgradation of Maweit and Rambrai Primary Health Centres (PHCs) into Community Health Centres (CHCs), besides converting Mawlangkhar and Umdang sub-centres into PHCs to serve the surrounding villages. Other demands included additional ambulances, a mortuary van, modern laboratory facilities and adequate medical staff.
Expressing concern over overcrowding at Nongstoin Civil Hospital, particularly in maternity wards and the outpatient department, the organisation suggested shifting maternal and child healthcare services to the MCH facility to reduce congestion. While acknowledging the government’s efforts to sanction healthcare infrastructure, the FKJGP stressed that these facilities must be supported with sufficient medical professionals to become fully operational.
Demand for Government Colleges and Functional Technical Institutes : On education, the FKJGP urged the government to establish government colleges offering Science and Commerce streams to enable economically disadvantaged students to pursue higher education within the district. It also called for the immediate operationalisation of the polytechnic college at Mawrusyiar, whose building has reportedly been completed but remains non-functional. Similarly, the organisation sought steps to make the Industrial Training Institute (ITI) functional to provide technical and vocational training opportunities for local youth.
Road Connectivity and Tourism Development : Regarding road infrastructure, the FKJGP demanded the speedy implementation of the second phase of the Nongstoin-Rambrai-Chaigoan road project, stating that only the first phase had been sanctioned and partially completed. It also sought widening of the Mawthungkper-Jaidoh-Mawkaton road up to Nongkasen, improvement of the Riangdo-Shallang-Maweit road and upgradation of the Public Works Department (Buildings) division from the Sub-Divisional Officer level to the Executive Engineer level.
Highlighting West Khasi Hills’ tourism potential, the organisation urged the government to develop the district as an alternative tourist destination capable of generating employment and sustainable livelihoods. It called for repairs to the Sangriang-Diengsyiang road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), which provides access to the Dewlynnong Nongkhnum tourist destination. The FKJGP also proposed constructing roads to Langshiang and Weispi waterfalls to improve accessibility.
The organisation identified several tourism attractions, including Nongkhnum Island, Mawphanlur, Thup Falls, Mawrock, Markham and Chinma Waterfalls at Shallang, besides unexplored forests and scenic locations suitable for trekking and adventure tourism.
However, it pointed out that poor road connectivity, inadequate accommodation, sanitation, electricity, telecommunications and a shortage of trained tourism professionals were major obstacles to the sector’s growth.
The FKJGP urged the government to prioritise West Khasi Hills in the proposed tourism master plan by developing specialised tourism circuits, conducting drone surveys to identify suitable locations for eco-parks and extending financial assistance to local entrepreneurs. It maintained that tourism development in West Khasi Hills could ease pressure on popular destinations such as Sohra and Dawki while creating markets for local handicrafts and organic produce.
Sports Facilities and Urban Development : On sports infrastructure, the organisation demanded the sanctioning of an artificial-turf playground at the district headquarters and the early completion of the synthetic track at Nongpathar playground.
The FKJGP also expressed concern over inadequate urban planning and infrastructure in Nongstoin and Mairang, particularly in view of their growing populations. It urged the government to upgrade the Urban Affairs office at Nongstoin to district-office status, headed by an Executive Engineer instead of an Assistant Engineer.
According to the organisation, the proposed upgradation would strengthen administrative capacity, improve budget allocation and accelerate the implementation of development projects in both towns. The FKJGP called upon the Meghalaya Government to give serious consideration to its demands, maintaining that improved infrastructure and essential public services were crucial for the overall development of West Khasi Hills.
