HYC staged protest

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, AUG 9: Activists of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) Shillong City today staged a placard protest at Mawkhar here against the chief minister Mukul Sangma, on his visit to the area, for his failure to discuss on the 14-point of demands for implementation of strong anti-influx laws which include the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state.

Sangma, who inaugurated the Mawkhar Multi Facility Utility Centre at Mawkhar on Wednesday, was welcomed with placards carrying pro-ILP and anti-government slogans, a protest strategy as part of the HYC recently launched ‘Save Hynniewtrep Mission’.

The Mission, which according to the HYC is a movement by the people for the people, was also after the chief minister, his host of cabinet ministers and MLAs of the ruling MUA-II government refused and turned down the former’s invitation to discuss on these points.

This was the second time that the chief minister was given a surprise welcome by the activists, who have pledged to continue to haunt Sangma and other ministers on such official functions.

“Be a leader to confront & settle the difficulties of the state” – one of the placards raised by the anti-influx activists told the chief minister even as it added, “We have not demanded laws which are impossible to implement by your government.

However earlier, there was also a heated argument between the activists and the district officials who attempted to prevent them from holding the placard protest on ground that 144 CrPC has been imposed in the area.

The HYC members however defended that the order had only prohibited holding of black flag protest and not placards. Later, the district officials allowed the members on condition that they cannot shout slogans.

Meanwhile, the HYC in a statement issued after the protest condemned the action by the district officials inspite of the fact that it was just a peaceful protest being staged by its members

HYC Shillong City vice president John Lyngdoh said that the chief minister should know that they have not demanded him to regulate drugs or any other illegal activities but it is a demand for his government to come up with strong laws to protect the indigenous people.

Meanwhile, the HYC also extends its congratulation to the Mawkhar Dorbar Shnong for getting a Multi Facility Utility Centre and also appealed to the people for their support and cooperation for the cause of protecting the indigenous community and its people.