Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) will stage a protest march to the Main Secretariat on August 6. President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit confirmed the move Friday after the party’s State Executive Committee meeting. The goal is to force government action on ten specific public issues. Party leaders demand the Chief Minister and Cabinet members be present to listen to the crowd.
Basaiawmoit characterized the event as a warning to the state administration. "The government should take the march seriously. It will serve as a warning that if the government remains adamant in its approach or continues to remain indifferent to the problems faced by the people, the Voice of the People Party may have to intensify its agitation," he said. He insisted the gathering will remain peaceful, noting, "The march to the Secretariat is intended to send a strong message to the government regarding the growing resentment among the people."
The VPP identified several sticking points for the demonstration. They are demanding a white paper on the Lumpongdeng Island project, citing a lack of transparency. The party also flagged alleged recruitment irregularities within the District Selection Committees and the Meghalaya Public Service Commission. Specifically, they claim West Jaintia Hills candidates who answered few questions reached the interview stage, and they want those hiring processes scrapped.
The protest will also address the deployment of teachers for election and census duties and the continued hiring of retired government workers. Beyond those items, the party is pushing for the protection of community land, stricter measures to block illegal immigration, and better job creation for locals. They are also demanding regulations for small-scale coal mining to help families struggling under current restrictions, as well as continued opposition to new coke and cement plants.
Basaiawmoit warned that the party will not be responsible for any individuals who cause trouble or break the peace during the march. He urged the public, especially youth and women, to show up and voice their anger.
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