NONGPOH: The recent decision of the MUA-II Government to book FKJGP central body publicity secretary Eldie N Lyngdoh under the Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act (MPDA) has evoked strong criticism from the Ri Bhoi Youth Federation (RBYF).
“The decision of the government is a clear indication that the government is viewing the NGO leaders as militants,” said RBYF general secretary LK Sawkmie.
Lambasting the ministers and MLAs for remaining mere spectators to the dictatorial attitude of Dr. Mukul Sangma, Sawkmie said that since they are elected public representatives they should raise their voices to support the people who want implementation of ILP in the State.
He also called upon the judges hearing the case to take an impartial view on the matter of booking of the NGO leader under the MPDA as it is unfounded and unwarranted.
On the recent arson cases which occurred in the State, Sawkmie said that the police department has not found any evidence against the pro-ILP activists but all the arrests and booking of cases under the MMPO against the arrested leaders are based on mere suspicion.
He also cited an incident in Nongmynsong where non tribal youths were arrested with petrol, and stated that on many occasions miscreants have taken undue advantages of the situation and indulged in arson.
The RBYF leader had also lauded the Rangbah Shnong and the Dorbar Shnong for opposing the Tenancy Act of the government.
The RBYF also urged the general public to lend their full support to the agitational programmes of the NGOs for demanding implementation of ILP in the State.