Shillong: The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) hit back at social media rumors today. Online posts claimed the commission met with Joint Action Committee members to spark legal action against local authorities. The commission set the record straight.
Officials visited the Kiang Nongbah monument protest site at 5:30 p.m. on November 9. They found several elderly women among the demonstrators. Commission members insisted their presence was only meant to check on the group’s health and well-being.
The agency defended the right to protest in a formal statement. It stressed that women play a primary role as guardians of the environment and local culture. Their perspectives on land and public welfare matter. The commission stated, "It recognised the role of women as custodians of culture and the environment, stating that their perspectives are vital to discussions on land, natural resources, and public welfare."
The current standoff shows a deep gap in leadership. The commission called for more women to hold seats in the Dorbar and other traditional governance bodies. Officials urged community leaders to bring women into the fold early. This move could build trust and ensure long-term stability across the region. The MSCW plans to watch over the protesters to ensure they stay safe.
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