SHILLONG: KSU president Daniel Khyriem on Thursday asserted that the 13 pro-ILP pressure groups will not be afraid of any ploy of the government to disperse the groups since they are committed to having a mechanism to protect the local indigenous people of the State.
“We would not hesitate to go to any extreme level to ensure that our long-pending demand for a strong and effective mechanism to address the problem of influx is finally achieved,” Khyriem said.
He was speaking at the gathering to commemorate the 179th Death Anniversary of Khasi freedom fighter Tirot Sing Syiem at the Tirot Sing Indoor stadium here on Thursday.
Former KSU president and NESO chairman Samuel Jyrwa urged the 13 pro-ILP pressure groups to remain united in their struggle for a foolproof mechanism to give special protection to the local indigenous people.
“We may come across many obstacles. This should not be a deterrent in our struggle to achieve our goal,” Jyrwa said.
He also recalled that the KSU has been fighting for the cause of a strong mechanism to tackle the problem of influx for more than three decades now.
Reminding the people that the bravery and endurance of U Tirot Sing Syiem had led to ) freedom of the people, Khyriem said, “People including young and even elder citizens of the State should be brave enough to speak out for their rights and fight against all odd for a better future and a better society.”
Khyriem said it was really sad that attempts were being made by the Government agencies to divide the KSU. “The KSU needs to overcome this situation and come out stronger,” Khyriem said.
He said that since the State achieved its Statehood, there has not been louder demand than the slogan ‘No ILP No Rest’ which had emerged from Student’s Field, Jaiaw.
“The slogan was a wakeup call for the local indigenous people to stand united for a mechanism which would protect from the onslaught of the people from outside,” Khyriem said.
Earlier, the KSU leaders paid floral tributes to the bust of Tirot Sing Syiem at the Indoor Stadium.
Mentionably, UDP MLAs – Jemino Mawthoh, Titosstarwell Chyne and Embhahlang Syiem (former KSU member) – and KHNAM MDC Adelbert Nongrum were present in the gathering.
A one-minute silence was also observed to remember the contribution of the Khasi freedom fighter.
Meanwhile, the KHNAM Pynthorumkhrah unit led by party’s local MDC James Ban Basaiawmoit also paid floral tributes of U Tirot Sing Syiem at the Indoor Stadium.
The Hima Nongkhlaw, U Tirot Sing’s erstwhile kingdom, also observed his death anniversary in abefitting manner.