Shillong, July 18: The Narpuh Border Area Joint Action Committee (NBAJAC) has strongly opposed against the move to shift the community and rural development block from Lumshnong to Wapung village in East Jaiñtia Hills district.

Speaking to reporters here on Wednesday, committee chairman, Emlangki Lamare said, “We have submitted a memorandum to the C&RD Minister, Sniawbhalang Dhar requesting the government not to shift the block from Lumshnong to Wapung.”

He said that Lumshnong is a suitable location and centrally located for different villages under the block as compared to Wapung village.

“If the government is shifting the block to Wapung, it should consider creating a new block at Lumshnong,” he demanded.

Last month, the Meghalaya High Court has asked the state government to consider afresh the shifting of the block to Lumshnong village in East Jaintia Hills District and take a decision within a period of six weeks.

The order was passed by the division bench of the High Court on June 6, while disposing of a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by a resident of the district Damewanhii Rymbai against the government’s notification on January 9 that shifted the block from Wapung village to Lumshnong village.

In the petition, Rymbai alleged that the Minister in-charge C&RD Sniawbhalang Dhar had inaugurated the block office at Wapung Skur in the presence of the villagers and officials of the district administration.