DC disapproves hunger strike move
SHILLONG: The East Khasi Hills District Administration has expressed ignorance over the decision taken by the Association of qualified Grade IV candidates (2011), East Khasi Hills to call for an indefinite hunger strike in the city from Monday and maintained that the administration will not allow any such dharnas from being carried out within the jurisdiction of the district without its prior approval.
“We are not informed about their move to call for an indefinite hunger strike but we will make sure that such acts will not be allowed as permission to hold the same was not sought from the administration” East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal said.
The Association has decided to call an indefinite hunger strike starting from Monday in protest against the failure of the Directorate of Health Services to terminate all temporary appointees as per the RTI findings.
“There is no reason for them to come to the streets, if they have grievances, they can always raise it up with the department concerned and expressed their grievances,” Goyal said.
It was informed that a total number of 130 candidates in the merit list are yet to get the appointment and the protest is to put pressure on the government to act before the period of the merit list lapses next month.
When asked about the proposed venue that the administration is thinking of shifting the agitating group decided to go ahead with the hunger strike, Goyal said “We will decide on the location later on, as of now, we cannot say as the matter has not been reported to us yet.”
Meanwhile, the DC has reiterated the position is holding in as far as security aspect in the district is concerned in view of the fresh agitations called by the Pro-ILP group is concerned which is set to start from Monday with a three-day night road blockade from 7pm till 5am.
“Tight security and strict vigil is kept in place to ensure that no on-toward incidences takes place in the city during these odd hours,” Goyal said.