FKJGP launches ‘socio-economic movement’

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, APR 11: The Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) today launched its “socio-economic movement” – a different stratagem to fight against influx by empowering the people of the indigenous community.

A book – “Ka Jingkieng Diengjri” was also released by a noted tribal Khasi entrepreneur Honsen Lyngdoh at a meeting held at Dinam Hall, Jaiaw in the presence of two ex-presidents – Emlang Lytan and Joe Marwein.

The Jingkieng Diengjri which literally means “The Living Root Bridge” reflects the main goals that the federation is targeting to achieve through the movement which is to awaken the tribal people from their slumber.

“The socio-economic movement is a people’s movement and is a new way of tackling the problem of influx in the state,” FKJGP chief Wellbirth Rani said after the meeting.

The FKJGP is one of the pressure groups in the state which has been demanding implementation of the comprehensive mechanism to check influx and illegal immigration into the state.

He also claimed that if the movement is successful the state no longer need to demand even the inner line permit (ILP).

Earlier in his address, Rani said the fight against influx has been going on for the past few decades since 1979 but yet we forget to diagnose the source of the problem (influx).

He observed that the time has come for the people of the indigenous community to realize the “mistake” which he cited an example of giving rent to outsiders and allowing them to capture trades which tribal are capable to work.

“If there is no one willing to give rent at high prices, we may not need to put the entry/exit points,” he said.

According to him, the fact is that it is not the government that brings the influx into the state.

Emphasizing on the need to understand the importance of dignity of labour, he said that it is also time that our own people starts creating their own employment.

Echoing similar views, FKJGP general secretary D Khongsit said that if the indigenous community do not work hard then it would be pointless to only have laws in place.