From Our Correspondent
NONGSTOIN: The historic march to Langpih by Pynskhem Nongshlong and other agitators from Hynniewtrep-Achik National Movement (HANM) (West Khasi Hills), Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo people (FKJGP) (West Khasi Hills) and Western People’s Movement (WPM), (West Khasi Hills) began with a meeting as scheduled at the market at Nongstoin.
A large number people came to witness the initiation of this historic event that could probably bring about the liberation of Langpih from the clutches of Assam.
The meeting however was marred by the electricity failure at the venue. NGOs alleged that this was all part of the Government’s game to down play the incident.
After the meeting, West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner S Kharlyngdoh, as instructed by the Government of Meghalaya, made a last ditch effort to persuade Pynskhem to refrain from undertaking the fast.
However, Pynskhem said that he had already made up his mind and that he would carry out the fast as planned.
After the meeting, Pynskhem accompanied by members of various NGOs made his memorable journey from Nongstoin to Langpih. Vehicles waving the flags of HANM, FKJGP and WPM also made their way to Langpih.
At Langpih, a large gathering had congregated. HSPDP supremo Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, while speaking at the meeting, alleged that all state machinery seemed to function at the directive of the Assam Government. He also said that the fertile land of Langpih was what attracted Assam.
Lyngdoh then lambasted Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma for not taking Khasi and Jaintia problems seriously but concentrating on Garo Hills. He also reminded the Government that late Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had declared Meghalaya as a state and not a sub-state.
All the NGOs present declared that unless the boundary disputes were resolved they would boycott the 2013 Assembly elections at Langpih. They also urged upon all the people residing in different areas bordering Assam who face similar problems to boycott the elections if their problems were not addressed.
Pynskhem thanked everyone for their love, support and well wishes. He said that Tirot Singh and Kiang Nangbah were freedom fighters of the Ri- Khasi Movement and that just like them he was undertaking the fast for Langpih’s freedom.
In a burst of emotion Pynskhem said that if his health deteriorates and he has to be admitted to hospital he would return to resume the fast if he survived. “Even if death comes to me during this fast, my soul would continue the struggle for Langpih,” Pynskhem said.
Altogether 21 people are participating in the fast. However, the fast unto death is being undertaken by 12 of them – Pynskhemlang Nongshlong, 85-year-old Ninghian Samakha, 73-year-old Markasing Kharbani and nine other youth from Mawsikar.
Monitoring the health of Pynskhem, Dr JF Pyngrope of PHC Nonglang at Langpih said that Pynskhem was in sound health and was fit to undertake the fast. However, everyone else registered high blood pressure prior to the fast. They nevertheless continued with the fast.
The District Administration has instructed that every four hours there will be a medical check up by the Medical team lead by Dr S Alam, Nongstoin Mobile unit and Dr FF Pyngrope, in charge Nonglang PHC.