Nongpoh:
Paying tribute to the legendary freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem on his 188-death anniversary, on Monday, youths from Ri Bhoi formed a social organisation christened as Ri Bhoi People’s Council with the motto ‘United to Progress’ or ‘Tyllilang, Ngin Tur Shaphang’.
The formation of the council witnessed participation of Ri Bhoi elders including former KHADC Chief Executive Member RR Makdoh, former Additional Superintendent of Police P Syiem, Najim Kharmalki, president of Western Ri Bhoi Dorbar and more than 300 youths.
Speaking on the occasion, Makdoh lauded the efforts of the young minds who took a vow to serve their district in different capacities through the newly formed council.
“As the rising youths of the district, youths have witnessed different issues hampering the growth of the district in different aspects. Therefore, as the future generation not only of the district but the state as a whole, the new council must strive hard in uplifting the district through their ideas and potential capacity,” Makdoh said.
He added that the younger generations have a bright future and must not be swayed away by current situations such as drug and other illicit activities that might hamper their goals in serving the district.
Before concluding his speech, Makdoh officially announced Jayson Lennox Nongrum as the convenor of the Ri Bhoi People’s Council.
Nongrum said the council has a vision to serve the people of the district in various issues with the main agenda being extending support in demanding for the implementation of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state among others.
The newly-appointed convener also stressed that the council will also oppose the move of the state government in implementing railways in Khasi and Jaintia Hills until a strong mechanism to tackle illegal immigration is taken up.
He also underlined that Ri Bhoi is still lacking in the health sector, as most of the people in the district have to go to Shillong or Guwahati since there is no proper infrastructure in any of the district hospitals. He added that this is the most important sector that the government must look into.