Thousands vouch for peace in Tikrikilla

TURA: A crowd of over 10,000 people gathered in Tikrikilla recently cutting across religious and ethnic lines, praying and appealing for peace in trouble torn Garo Hills. The need for peace in order to bring about development in Garo Hills was the underlined theme of the meet.
Addressing the gathering, Shalom Meghalaya’s Tikrikilla unit President, Macfield Marak said that kidnapping and extortion must end so as to ensure that peace and harmony prevails in Garo Hills.
President of GSU’s Tikirikilla unit, Walseng Marak appealed to the youth to be the agents of change in the tumultuous region.
Shalom Meghalaya’s Dadenggre sub district coordinator, Fr Benoy gave a clarion call for peace and urged all those who have strayed to return to live normal lives. He also urged the government to create enough job opportunities keeping in mind the potentials of Garo Hills.
Fr Kurian, the joint secretary of Shalom Meghalaya quoting the Annual Status of Education Report said that learning of the students in schools was extremely poor and therefore improving schools and teaching and learning methods  is indispensable for developing the potential of an individual.
Fr C J Jose, the guest of honour for the programme, said that violence and gun culture would not solve the problems of the region. “Living responsible lives, fearing God and respect for life of others would create an enabling situation for assuring peace,” he added.
A film titled ‘Shalom’ depicting the day to day events in Garo Hills was also released on the occasion. Prayer for peace and peace pledge was also taken by the thousands of people who had gathered for the meet.