Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 244/12

MEGHALAYA CHIEF MINISTER LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE UPPER SHILLONG WATER SUPPLY PROJECT

Shillong, July 14 2012: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Dr Mukul Sangma today laid the foundation stone of the Upper Shillong Water Supply Project at Sanmer Secondary School, Shillong in the presence of PHE Minister, Mr Shitlang Pale, Forest & Environment Minister, Mr Prestone Tynsong, Parliamentary Secretary, Mr P W Khongjee and KHADC, CEM, Mr Pynshngainlang Syiem among others.

It may be mentioned that the Upper Shillong Water Supply Project was funded by the Ministry of DONER under the NLCPR scheme for Rs 33.2 Crores. The water supply scheme is expected to cater to 36 villages and 15 localities under Mylliem constituency. The target year of completion is 2014.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Mukul Sangma said that the State Government is re-strategising its investment policies by paying more attention on sustainable projects and by strengthening the State’s natural resource base for which he appealed to the Syiems, Sordars and headmen to cooperate in protecting the rich natural resources of the State particularly the catchment areas which are the main sources of water.

While appealing for cooperation from all sections of the society, Dr Mukul said that the public representatives are also responsible in creating awareness among the people about the initiatives taken by the Government to improve the Livelihood of the people particularly those in the rural areas like the Integrated Basin Development and Livelihood Programme which is intended in providing employment opportunities to the people and ensure healthy economic activity in the State.

Dr Mukul also informed that similar projects will also be proposed by the State Government for funding by the Mininstry of DONER at Mawsynram and Sohra.

While referring to the recent office picketing called by some NGOs on the issue of Inter State boundary dispute at Langpih, Dr Mukul said that agitational programmes like bandhs and office picketing in the State will not only affect the common man but will also affect the plans and programmes of the Government. He said that the State Government is making all efforts to settle the issue in the right earnest.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were PHE Minister, Mr Shitlang Pale, Forest & Environment Minister, Mr P Tynsong, CEM KHADC, Mr P Syiem and Principal Secretary, PHE Department, Mr P W Ingty. The meeting was presided over by Mylliem constituency MLA, Mr R V Lyngdoh.

Press Release No. 245/12

ORDER UNDER SECTION 144 CRPC

Shillong, July 16, 2012: The Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Sohra Civil Sub-Division has promulgated an Order under Section 144 CrPC prohibiting any person or group of persons or organization, acting or purporting to act on their behalf from collection of boulders from the whole stretch of the Shella Umiam River and Thariaghat and within 100 metres on both sides of the said river banks.

This order has been enforced in view of the fact that haphazard collection of boulders from river bank and deep under the Shella Umiam river and Thariaghat by exporters has caused serious environmental impact on both the river beds and environmental degradation and causes negative effect on the aquatic or decline in biodiversity. Moreover, it is felt that such activities, if not stopped, will cause obstruction and annoyance or injury to both the exporters and the members of the public or danger to human life, health and safety and disturbance of the public tranquility.

This order comes into immediate effect and shall remain in force until further orders.

Press Release No. 246/12

LOOK OUT NOTICE

Shillong, July 16, 2012: The Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, Shillong has informed that one Bijoy Kumar Roy also known as Bijan or Borum (39) of Laban Last Stop, Shillong is wanted by the police in connection with cheating persons by asking loans and thereafter absconding.

Any person having knowledge of the whereabouts of the above named accused are requested to inform the Officer-in Charge, Laban PS at 0364-2223168, Sadar PS at 0364-2224400 or Shillong Police Control Room at 0364-2222277. The identity of the informant will be kept confidential.

Press Release No. 247/12

NOTICE

Shillong, July 16, 2012: The Sub-Divisional Officer, PWD (Roads), Lawbah Border Roads Sub-Division Mawsynram, has informed that temporary restoration work at 9th Km of the Phlangsynnei-Tynger-Dewsaw road, which collapsed on July 3, 2012, could not be taken up because of continuous erosion on the downhill side of the road due to monsoon.

Press Release No. 248/12

TURA REMEMBERS GARO RECRUITS TO FRANCE DURING WORLD WAR I

Shillong, July 16, 2012: The People of Tura today fondly remembered the forefathers, who went to France during the 1st World War as recruits of the 69th Garo Labour Corps, with deep sense of dedication and gratitude. As a mark of respect and remembrance of these recruits, the Garo Labour Corp Day was celebrated in Tura in a befitting manner with several dignitaries laying floral wreaths on the cenotaph at Lower Babupara, while salutation was done by the police and cadets of Bharat Scouts and Guides.

It may be recalled that in 1917, responding to the call of the British Government the 69th Garo Labour Corps was formed with volunteers from different parts of Garo Hills to assist the Allied commanders during the 1st World War in France. Altogether 500 men from Garo Hills were transported to France, where they worked loading and unloading logs of wood and digging trenches in the battle fronts. The recruits worked hard in the rain and snow with such loyalty and dedication that they gained the appreciation of the Allied commanders.

The Garo Labour Corps finally arrived at Tura on 16th July, 1918 amidst great jubilation and warm reception, but only 120 men actually reached Tura as some got down at Gauhati and others at Goalpara stations after their official release at Gauhati. Out of 500 men who went to France, altogether 58 lost their lives. As a mark of respect to these men, a cenotaph was erected at Lower Babupara, Tura, with the names of those who died inscribed on it and since the year 1919, the 16thof July is being celebrated as the Garo Labour Corps Day in Tura annually.

An impressive memorial function was held in DC’s Park, Tura to mark the occasion where the Chief Executive Member, GHADC, Mr. Purno K. Sangma participated as the chief guest. In his address, Mr. Sangma said that this was a day for introspection as our forefathers, though uneducated, had set an example of loyalty and sense of sacrifice for their country and to their ruler and stressed the need to inculcate among today’s youth a similar sense of responsibility to their society and a sense of patriotism to their nation. In order to celebrate the day in a more befitting manner, he suggested forming of a search committee be formed to collect the medals and certificates that were given to the Labour Corps members and shifting of the cenotaph from the present location to a larger site. At the same time, Mr. Sangma also assured that the District Council would set aside some funds for the purpose. He also pointed out that there are other such sites in the district that required attention, beautification and to be turned into tourist spots. These are, one at Dalu and another at Ampati, where simple structures are put up in memory of the Indian soldiers who were killed during Indo-Bangladesh war, he said.

West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner Mr. Pravin Bakshi in his brief address, stressed the importance of having a sense of one’s own history, saying that the Garo forefathers not only fought for peace and integrity but also for the pride of their own tribe. While expressing his happiness to see the great enthusiasm shown by the organizers and the students in celebrating the day, he, however said that he was saddened over the fact that most government officials and employees have failed to turn up for the celebration.

Earlier, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, ICFAI and a historian, Dr. Milton S. Sangma, while speaking as the guest of honour, narrated the history of the Garo Labour Corps in France and said that those Garo volunteers had not gone there for money nor for sightseeing but responded to the call due to their sense of obligation as citizens of the country.

The Tura Municipal Board Chairman Mr. K.C. Momin and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. T.G. Momin were among others who also spoke on the occasion, while the Pastor of Tura Baptist Church, Rev. W. R. Marak offered the invocation prayer. Patriotic songs, Wangala dance and a skit on the Garo Labour Corps were also presented by the students during the celebration.