SHILLONG: Former KHADC CEM Adelbert Nongrum along with a young supporter Goldy Warjri launched indefinite hunger strike (not fast-unto-death) underneath the life-size statue of Jaintia freedom fighter Kiang Nangbah at Baric Point in city on Saturday.
Nongrum had to change his earlier decision of holding ‘fast-unto-death’ after the district administration refused to give permission “as fast unto death is tantamount to suicide.”
The Additional District magistrate Ronnie Wahlang told Nongrum that he would have to arrest him under Section 309 of the IPC if he goes ahead with fast-unto-death.
Following this, the former KHADC CEM then sought permission for holding an indefinite hunger strike.
“I will not call off my strike till the State Government passes the Village Administration Bill, 2014 which was passed by the KHADC,” the former KHADC CEM told newsmen.
According to him, the State Government does not have the mandate to make laws to empower the traditional institutions.
“We have formulated the Bill in accordance with the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The government should not encroach into the jurisdiction of the district council by coming up with any law to empower the traditional institutions,” Nongrum said.
The 32-year-old Warjri, who hails from Lumdiengjri, said, “I am with Nongrum as I feel the same way on the issue.”
Several people including family members, friends of Nongrum and Warjri and MDCs from KHNAM visited the venue to express solidarity with the duo.
