S
hillong, October 01: The Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Mr Kiren Rijiju on satuarday visited the Nartiang Village of West Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya and paid obeisance to Maa Jayantee, one of the holy Shakti Peethas, and sought her blessings on the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami and Dusshera.
Addressing the gathering, the minister expressed his satisfaction in visiting the place and informed the gathering that it was his long cherished dream to visit Nartiang. He said, “I have visited Shillong and West Jaintia Hills several times but never had a chance to visit this holy place.
He said “I am very happy that I could pay a visit to this beautiful place and to the holy Shaktipeeth; and that too on this auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami and Dusshera”. Just reaching to this holy place, located amidst the serene Jaintia, gives one satisfaction, he said. The shakti peeth, he exclaimed, is very sacred and that mother goddess will keep the people of Nartiang blessed and away from all sorts of misfortune.
Acknowledging the significance of the village, the minister said, “I can proudly say that this is culturally one of the richest villages in the country”. He appreciated the efforts of the villagers in their dedication to keep the village clean; and said that people from other places has many things to learn from this place.
The minister said that he will extend all possible help from his side to preserve the rich natural heritage of this village. “It is very essential to preserve the rich natural heritage of the village and I will request the Government of Meghalaya look into the matter”.
He was very categorical when he exclaimed that this place is a centre of attraction for the whole world and not just for Meghalaya or India. He also said that he will request the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Culture, Government of India to help develop this place into a tourist destination so that more and more people could come and visit this place.
Member of Parliament, Shillong Shri Vincent Pala, local MLA Sniawbhalang Dhar, newly elected CEM A Andrew Shullai and other MDCs were also present during his visit.
