Garo Hills stir: Govt to invoke MMPO

SHILLONG: The state government  is likely to invoke the provisions of the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) (MMPO) Act against leaders of an organization who have called a two-day shutdown in the Garo Hills region demanding early elections to the GHADC.
The All Achik Youth Federation (AAYF) had threatened to launch a series of agitations which will begin with a poster campaign on May 18 followed by a non-cooperation movement on May 19 and 20.
The AAYF also sponsors the night road blockade during these days which will continue till May 21. “The district administration will invoke provisions and penal sections of the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act, 2013 to deal with any threat, intimidation or forced closure as well as loss to economy and business,” West Garo Hills district Deputy Commissioner Pravin Bakshi said on Sunday.
Since security have been beefed   up to thwart any attempt to disrupt peace, he said, instructions have been issued to the state and central government institutions to remain open and functional. “All officers and staff shall also report for duty and it will be observed that all banks and post offices are opened and fully functional for the service of the people,” he said.
The AAYF’s earlier ultimatum which ended May15 demanded the state government to dissolve the present executive committee as well as to fix the date for election to the GHADC which has been extended thrice since last year in the hope to accommodate surrendered militants.
GHSMC extends support: Meanwhile, the Garo Hills State Movement Committee (GHSMC) has extended its support to the AAYF’s agitational prorgammes.
Nikman Ch.Marak, Chairman, GHSMC said that the dissolution of the present Executive Committee of GHADC was the need of the hour.
Marak did not find any logic behind the extension of the term of the present District Council.