Meghalaya govt keen to name road after Kissor: Home minister

Shillong: Meghalaya Home Minister James P K Sangma has said that the state government is keen at naming a road after founder of the Unitarian Church, Hajom Kissor Sing Nongbri.

The minister, who attended the inauguration of the anniversary of the Unitarian Church in the Khasi-Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya and Karbi-Anglong of Assam in an interfaith meeting here on Saturday, also expressed optimism that the government will be able to announce September 18 as a local holiday.

The church, founded by young Kissor way back in 1887, will be celebrating the 131st Anniversary on September 18 across the Khasi-Jaintia and Karbi Anglong region of Meghalaya and Assam respectively.

He said, "It is a great idea (to name roads after great personalities). We are very seriously contemplating to name roads in our state. We have so many names we are proud about and Babu Hajom Kissor figure in that list."

The Home minister made the statement after noted historian and St Edmunds Principal Dr Sylvanus Lamare said that the government of the day ought to give Kissor its due respect for his contribution in the community, the language and the Church that is inclusive.

"The government is privilege to take this matter and give him (Kissor) the recognition, although he doesnt need it, but as a small gesture from the government," the minister said while addressing the interfaith gathering.