Nongpoh | 14 November 2025: The Umsning area, one of the busiest commercial and transit hubs in Ri Bhoi District, continues to witness rapid growth and increasing public demand for essential services. However, key gaps in healthcare and sports infrastructure have prompted the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU), Umsning Circle, to seek urgent government intervention.

Members of the KSU Umsning Circle met Sports and Health Minister Wailadmiki Shylla to highlight two pressing issues faced by residents: the acute shortage of medical staff at Umsning Community Health Centre (CHC) and the absence of proper sports grounds for young athletes.

The union expressed concern that Umsning CHC, which currently serves nearly 140 villages, has only one doctor, causing severe challenges for residents—particularly those from economically weaker households and remote villages. Many families are compelled to travel long distances for treatment, often in emergency situations.

The second issue raised was the lack of a dedicated and well-maintained sports ground. KSU leaders said that despite Umsning producing a significant number of talented athletes—about 30 of whom currently represent the Shillong Sports Association—the area does not have standard sports facilities. This, they said, has discouraged many youths from developing their skills and pursuing competitive sports.

Responding to the concerns, Minister Shylla assured the delegation that the government would deploy an additional doctor to Umsning CHC at the earliest. On the matter of the sports ground, he said the department would examine all possible options to identify the most suitable site for developing a sports facility in the area.

The KSU delegation was led by Circle President Lester Nongbet and Secretary Laraplang Nongbri, along with several executive members of the Umsning Circle.