Shillong, March 10: A BJP MLA in Meghalaya has sought the UNESCO heritage tag for Khongthong, known as the country”s only ”whistling village” where residents often communicate with each other by whistling.

Lawmaker Sanbor Shullai recently met Professor J.S. Rajput, India’s representative to the UNESCO Executive Board and put forward his demand to accord intangible cultural heritage tag to the remote village in East Khasi Hills district.

Whistling village

Khongthong lies around 56km from the Meghalaya capital and is known as a whistling or singing village.

Since time immemorial, mothers here have composed a unique tune, locally called jingrwai ïawbei, for each child.

Apart from their formal names, residents of the village also have ”whistling names” which are used for communicating with each other.

Assurance of tag for whistling village

“Professor Rajput has assured me of taking up the matter through the Union Ministry of Cultural Affairs,” the legislator said on Tuesday.

Shullai also met Rajya Sabha MP Rakesh Sinha, who had adopted the village and ensured the implementation of government schemes including road and health services to the people.

The MP assured all possible help for the village and promised that there will be sustainable livelihood development for sustainable self-employment without affecting Khongthong’s cultural heritage, the BJP legislator added.