Shillong: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) is threatening to join the fight against the proposed Shillong ropeway project. President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit issued the warning on Monday. He set a 10-day deadline for the government to answer the Joint Action Committee. This committee is led by the women of Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun. The clock is ticking.
Basaiawmoit slammed the government for trying to trick the public. Officials claim they held a public hearing, but the party president says they only spoke to a few village leaders. Many locals report they never heard of a 2022 meeting cited by authorities. Basaiawmoit claims the government is ignoring the will of the people.
The project poses a major threat to Shillong Peak. It endangers sacred sites, fragile ecosystems, and vital water sources that serve the city. Basaiawmoit argued the area does not need a ropeway to bring in tourists. He believes the peak’s existing natural beauty and cultural importance are enough. He also dismissed government claims that the project will create jobs, calling it a distraction from real public concerns.
The VPP leader noted the MDA government ignores problems until citizens hit the streets. He pointed to previous protests by farmers, lawyers, and teachers as proof. Basaiawmoit issued a stern warning to those in power. "The government should not force the VPP to take to the streets alongside the residents of Riat Laban Dorbar Pyllun," he said. He expects officials to respect the opposition and move the project if the majority remains against it.
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