SHILLONG: The FKJGP, Garo Hills Zone has expressed concern over the “unceremonious termination of services” of 225 home guard officials deputed under the forest department on June 25 this year.
In a statement issued here on Saturday, FKJGP Garo Hills zone president, Pritam Marak said that the decision of the concerned authorities to do away with the services of the forest home guards has violated their Right to Livelihood.
It may be mentioned that on the direction of the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF), the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Garo Hills Division, Tura had terminated the services of 225 forest home guard officials.
According to Marak, these personnel have been rendering their services dutifully for over 10 years and have even put their lives at risk while discharging their duties.
“Most of the personnel have also outlived their age limits to apply for other means of livelihood, which has irreparably narrowed their chances of earning a living,” the FKJGP leader added.
“FKJGP will not tolerate this injustice and will struggle for the families of the 225 personnel until the problem is resolved,” the pressure group threatened adding that it will approach the highest office of the state with regards to the matter, as soon as the ongoing political crisis is resolved.
The issue, it may be recalled, was also raised in the Assembly in 2010 whereby the then Minister in charge Civil Defense & Homeguards, Paul Lyngdoh had assured the House that steps for regularization of these personnel will be initiated at the earliest.