Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has assured to examine the demand for creation of a new Sohra district.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting, Sohra District Demand Forum (SDDF) general secretary John W Thabah, “The meeting was positive as the chief minister has assured to look into our demand seriously this time. He will be sending this matter to the chief secretary to initiate the process for examining all the matters including the documents we have presented to the government.”
A reminder was also submitted to the chief minister where it stated that the demand for upgradation of Sohra civil sub-division into full-fledged district has gained the support of majority of people from villages under Sohra and Shella constituencies.
“Since Meghalaya has attained its 50th year of statehood in 2022, it would be in the fitness of things that Sohra Civil Sub-Division which is one of the oldest Civil Sub-Divisions in the state is given its due recognition by upgrading it into a full-fledged District with the sole objective of bringing the administration closer to the people and also ensure that the area prospers in all spheres,” the letter said.
The forum has proposed the new district should retain the name ‘Sohra’, a place which is known worldwide as the wettest desert on earth and known for its tourist spots.
Thabah said the government is also trying to sort out some issues related to the demand in the coming days.
When asked, he said there are more than 200 villages which will be part of the new district. However, there are 3-4 villages which are not willing due to geographical inconveniences and other issues.
“The chief minister has assured that the chief secretary will sort this matter out in the coming days. He also said that he will call us again after the government examines this matter,” Thabah informed.