SHILLONG:
Mawkhar, situated in the heart of Shillong, is regarded as the hub of the Hill state movement with several leaders hailing from the area, prominent among them being Rose Warjri and Kesamon Kharkongor.
The Mawkhar Dorbar Shnong celebrated the 50th Statehood Day on Friday at the Mawkhar community hall.
Mentioning Kesamon Warjri and Rose Warjri, the assistant headman of Mawkhar, Ransom Sutnga, told The Meghalayan that Mawkhar was the centre of the hill state movement and the leaders would meet at Khasi National Dorbar hall.
Murals of Khasi author Rabon Sing Kharsuka and politician Mavis Dunn Lyngdoh were unveiled on the occasion.
“The celebration of 50 years of statehood in Mawkhar is very significant as we reminisce about the times when people from the locality took part in the movement. There were many who participated – men and women came out and led the movement,” he said.
The 50 year-milestone served as the opportunity for the Dorbar Shnong of Mawkhar to honour the hill state movement leaders and volunteers.
Sutnga said that the Dorbar Shnong released 50 balloons and unveiled a celebration board. It also felicitated sportspersons Aenam Jyrwa and Freddy Syiem. A pledge was also read by the residents in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who was the chief guest on the occasion.
Anthony Kharmalki, block representative (Rangbah Dong), said that apart from honouring the hill state movement leaders, it was also felt that it is also time to ponder what the present generation should contribute to the society.
The treasurer of the Mawkhar Dorbar Shnong, Ksankupar Warjri, said that children and youths were also present at the programme.
“The young generation will get to know and be inspired by the hill state movement leaders. In the end, the baton will be handed to them after all,” he said.
Sutnga informed that beautification of the localities, consisting of seven blocks will continue while there will be activities for the youth, including sports.
Khasi National Dorbar hall
At a busy thoroughfare in Mawkhar stood the Khasi National Durbar Hall, a stark reminder of the times when conferences were frequently held here for the hill state movement.
At the premises of Khasi National Dorbar hall, Mawkhar, a banner was displayed expressing gratitude for the 50 years milestone.
It was in the year 1954 that the Khasi National Dorbar submitted a memorandum for a separate state to the state re-organization commission.
Murals of prominent personalities – Khasi author, Rabon Sing Kharsuka and politician, Mavis Dunn Lyngdoh.