Raphael Warjri

In a significant development amid mounting opposition to the outsourcing of power distribution services in Mawsynram, leaders of the National People's Party (NPP) from three blocks have claimed that Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has assured them that SAI Computer Pvt Ltd will no longer continue its power distribution operations under the Mawsynram Division of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL).

The assurance comes against the backdrop of a proposed march to the Meghalaya Secretariat on June 12 by several organisations from Mawsynram Sub-Division, who have accused the State Government of failing to act on their demand to remove SAI Computer Pvt Ltd from the region's power distribution network.

Speaking to reporters after a high-level meeting held at the office chamber of Government Adviser Himalaya M. Shangpliang at the Additional Secretariat, Shangpliang and Mawsynram MDC Alvin Sawkmie said the Chief Minister, during a meeting on June 8, had assured party leaders that the engagement of SAI Computer in electricity distribution under the Mawsynram Division would be brought to an end.

The meeting was attended by NPP leaders Kitbor Nongrem and Nelbi Sangma from Ranikor Block, along with Auspicios Lyngdoh from Mawphlang Block.

According to the leaders, the Chief Minister's assurance is expected to help defuse public resentment over the issue and address concerns raised by consumers, traditional institutions and local stakeholders regarding the privatisation of power distribution services in the region.

The announcement comes just days before the planned agitation by pressure groups, traditional heads and residents from Mawphlang, Mawsynram and Ranikor, who have vowed to intensify their protest unless their demands are met.