Pressure groups to intensify stir
SHILLONG: The 13 pro-ILP pressure groups have unanimously resolved to intensify the ongoing agitation till the State Government agrees to implement ILP in the State.
“We would continue with our struggle till the government reintroduces ILP to regulate the entry of outsiders into our state,” KSU president Daniel Khyriem said while speaking at a public rally organized by pro-ILP groups at Student’s Field, Jaiaw, on Saturday.
Despite threat and attempt to arrest the leaders of pressure groups, he said that they would not bow down to any pressure tactics of Government.
A member of a pressure group later told a news agency that they would announce their next phase of agitational programme at an appropriate time.
A crowd ranging anywhere between 15,000- 20,000 from across the State attended the rally, which ended peacefully.
The pro-ILP pressure groups organised the public rally to garner mass support to their ongoing movement to demand the implementation from the State Government.
After the MBoSE issue in 2005, Saturday’s one was the biggest public rally in the recent past.
Interestingly, there was no police presence at the venue. This is seen as a tactical move on the part of police not to antagonize the pressure groups.
Police presence was visible only from Motphran.
Meanwhile, the city witnessed a bandh-like situation as most of the business establishments including shops in the main market areas namely Khyndailad (Police Bazaar) and Iewduh remained closed while local taxis were off the road during the rally hours.
Local TV channels were prevented from beaming the rally live.
Ardent skips rally
: HSPDP vice-president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, who has been vocal on the issue ILP, was certainly conspicuous by his absence in the rally.
HSPDP president Hoping Stone Lyngdoh, however, was present in the meeting.
Among the other political leaders who attended the meeting include UDP working president Paul Lyngdoh, UDP legislators– Jemino Mawthoh, Tistosstarwell Chyne and Embhah Syiemlieh.
Among the MDCs who attended the meeting include James Ban Basaiawmoit, Adelbert Nongrum and Carmel Sohtun (all from KHNAM) and independent MDC Latiplang Kharkongor.