Another addition to demand for sub-division

A Reporter

SHILLONG, July 6: A day after the Jaintia Student Movement (JSM) had demanded the up-gradation of the Laskein C&RD Block to Laskein civil sub division, on Friday the Laskein Block Welfare Organization (LBWO) has also demanded the same from the Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma. The chairman of the organization, Chawas Lyngdoh has pointed out that the Laskein Block under West Jaintia Hills district is one of the oldest C&RD Block in Meghalaya as it was established on October 10, 1973 and was inaugurated by (Late) Edwinson Bareh. He informed that the district head quarters , Jowai is about 40 kms from the office of the Laskein C&RD Block and more than 70 kms from other villages situated beyond Laskein which is troublesome for the people to travel to carry out official works. When asked, he informed that the total area of Laskein C&RD Block measures about 390.40 sq km and as per the 2011 census it has a population of about 90, 402. “Most of the inhabitants are farmers and are in need of various assistances from the government especially when it comes to road connectivity, education, agriculture, drinking water, electricity, healthcare beside others,” he said. He also apprised the Chief Minister that at present there is not even a single government secondary school under Laskein C&RD Block which in turn has affected the underprivileged families of the area. He also pointed out that the healthcare scenario is below standard.