By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Meghalaya is untouched by the demand for separate states elsewhere in the country following the nod to Telangana State by the Centre.
Though HSPDP leader HS Lyngdoh and GNC supremo Clifford Marak occasionally take up the issue of forming separate states( Khasi-Jaintia and Garo) prior to the elections, the demand is yet to get the support of the majority of the people.
The ANVC, currently under ceasefire since 2004 had initially demanded a separate State for Garos, but had to scale down to the demand for strengthening district councils.
Though GNLA claims to be fighting for a separate State, the move has not got the support of a large section of people.
The hill state movement, which finally led to the formation of Meghalaya in 1972 after carving out of Assam, had the support of all sections of people.
Unlike the hill state movement, the people of Meghalaya, with a population of over 29 lakh, are yet to be convinced on the need to have separate states.
The issue of forming Khasi-Jaintia and Garo States were debated in the Assembly in the past on several occasions, with the Government ruling out the viability of dividing Meghalaya.
