SHILLONG, AUG 6: Hundreds of VPP supporters marched to the Main Secretariat on Thursday, led by party president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, to protest the state government’s inaction on 10 key issues.
The peaceful demonstration, held amid heavy police deployment on a working day, concluded without incident.
Protesters carried placards and raised slogans targeting the MDA government, including “Conrad K Sangma down” and “Prestone Tynsong down.”
Basaiawmoit said the turnout reflected public frustration.
“We are happy to see the response of the people as far as this peaceful march is concerned,” he said, adding the march was meant to send a clear message to the government.
The VPP leader dismissed the Chief Minister’s suggestion to raise the issues in the Assembly, calling it an “excuse.”
He argued that opposition members get barely “7-10 minutes” to speak in a 5-day session while ruling members dominate the time.
“We are not shying away from debating… but we hardly get enough and sufficient time to discuss various issues,” he said.
He also accused the government of being “vindictive” toward the opposition and said the VPP will not submit another memorandum since past representations had gone unanswered.
Addressing the crowd earlier, Basaiawmoit listed several grievances.
He demanded the cancellation of the public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement project in Elaka Sutnga, alleging affected residents were not allowed to speak.
The VPP also wants the Coke Plant and Cement Factory halted, and warned of intensified agitation if the government does not act.
Other issues raised included alleged malpractice in the DSC West Jaintia Hills recruitment, where candidates who answered “1-2 questions” were reportedly called for interviews, the poor condition of the Shillong-Dawki road in Riwar Pynursla, and delayed wages for Home Guards and casual workers.
“The Home Guards get their salary once every 4 months… If the employment given to the youth means paying salaries only once in 3 months, there is no reason to be proud of your job creation,” he said.
Basaiawmoit maintained the protest was peaceful by design.
“We do not have any intention to create any law and order problem,” he said.
The party will decide its next course of action after internal deliberations.
By Our Reporter
