P.N. Syiem, in the city on Friday. (UB)
SHILLONG: With the Black Flag pinned on their clothing, members of the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) and other stakeholders observed Black Flag Day on Friday in protest against the State Cabinet’s decision to amend the Meghalaya Services (Conduct) Rules.
“The People’s Democratic Forum (PDF) has declared this day as Black Flag Day to show their resentment to the government as it will affect the traditional institutions,” KHADC CEM P.N. Syiem said.
Stating that the decision to amend the rules was taken in haste and is against the people’s sentiments, he said that the work flows efficiently at any organizations due to the presence of government employees who are able to help and provide necessary advice to the people.
Aggrieved over the recent High Court ruling where it has directed the State government to frame laws for the empowerment of traditional heads, Syiem said, “It is the subject matter of the District Council as envisage in the Sixth Schedule in the Indian Constitution.”
However, at the protest only the CEM and Deputy CEM were present while others skipped the protest.
When asked why others had skipped the event, Syiem said, “We wanted it to be like any other normal day.”