Photo Courtesy: nenews
Shillong: Thousands of Voice of the People Party (VPP) supporters flooded the streets of Shillong on August 6. They marched to the Meghalaya Main Secretariat to confront the government. VPP president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit led the massive column of protesters. It stretched from the Shillong Civil Hospital area to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Party legislators and district council members joined the crowd.
Protesters targeted Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma. They also signaled out Deputy Chief Ministers Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar. The party demands action on ten issues. These include a five-star hotel project at Lumpongdeng Island, a white paper on that project, and transparent recruitment. They also want protections for indigenous rights. Concerns include coal mining, infrastructure, education, and damaged roads in East Garo Hills.
Basaiawmoit addressed the crowd from a pickup truck. He chanted traditional Khasi phawar. The crowd answered with thunderous cheers. Then they sang the Khasi anthem. Basaiawmoit claimed the party was shut out of the Assembly. He said his members were denied time to speak. "The public should ask why the VPP had been compelled to take its protest to the streets," he said. He added that the government ignored previous requests for dialogue. No new memorandum was submitted.
East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Abhilash Baranwal reported no violence. Police and administrators coordinated with organizers beforehand. They set strict conditions for the route and volunteer conduct. Authorities did not invoke prohibitory measures. Security forces lined the streets. The march ended peacefully. Basaiawmoit warned of intensified agitation if the government stays indifferent.
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