Shillong, Feb. 18: Nartiang is internationally known for its monoliths and temples. But the people of this sleepy hamlet in Meghalaya’s Jaintia Hills continue to remain in the shadows. Every election raises hope among the residents of Nartiang that politicians would keep their promises and develop this village which has often been termed an “archeological wonder”. Nartiang has some of the tallest and ancient monoliths besides an age-old Durga and Shiva temple where the indigenous tribals still offer prayers.
“We have been told by babus (researchers are thus referred to by the local people) that our land could become one of the few internationally-acknowledged tourists spots,” said Bahkrem Sumer.
According to local residents, the site was a popular pilgrimage site in ancient times. Even the raja of Janitiapur (now in Sylhet district of Bangladesh) used to pray at the Durga temple. But over the years, Nartiang has gradually slipped into neglect.
“There are no proper roads and drinking water problem is acute during dry seasons. Most of the people from this village have to go to other parts of Jaintia Hills or to Assam for jobs,” Sumer said. Last year, the people of Nartiang elected H.B. Dan of the United Democratic Party (UDP) with the hope that he would bring swift development in the area.. Dan had polled 7,735 votes to dislodge sitting MLA Henry Lamin of the Congress.
This time round, the 24,051 strong electorate of Nartiang is indifferent as most of them feel that “it all vanishes in thin air after elections”.
This year there are six candidates in the fray and once again they have promised to make Nartiang “a paradise” besides initiating programmes that would lead to an “agricultural boom”. They have also stirred the boundary issue of getting back the disputed Block I area (under Karbi Anglong district of Assam) surrounding a part of Nartiang.
The recent massacre of six villagers in Mukhroh under Nartiang constituency by suspected Karbi Anglong-based militants is also lending a political colour with most parties making an issue of the incident. But people of Nartiang refuse to believe the pre-poll promises. “We want action and then only will we trust any politician,” said Wanbait Suchiang.
It remains to be seen who will win the trust of the voters and give Nartiang its true place in history.