SHILLONG: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) organized a Black Flag protest on Wednesday to press for fulfilment of their 14-point charter of demands. The protest began with HYC members tying a black banner on the gate to the residence of Health and Family Welfare Minister, Roshan Warjri at Mawkhar.
The protestors-led by HYC vice president Donboklang Kharlyngdoh then marched to the Motphran market area to protest against the apathy of the state government in not fulfilling its charter demands.
Addressing reporters, assistant general secretary of HYC central body, H Saiborne said, “We have been pressing for out 14-point demand charter time and again but there has been no response from the state government.”
It may be recalled that the Chief Minister and his Cabinet colleagues had snubbed the proposed meeting called by the HYC on Saturday which prompted the HYC to resort to agitations.
The HYC had previously submitted a memorandum to the state government on their 14-point charter of demands which included introduction of Inner Line Permit (ILP) system, issuance of work permits, implementation of law on benami transaction etc.
Criticising the people’s representatives, Saiborne said, “The conscience of the representatives is dead. The ministers do not understand and are deaf to the plight of the indigenous people. As a state we need strong laws to prevent influx.”
Sairborne maintained that strong laws needed be framed for the security of the future generation in the state.
He directed the HYC members who to pin black flags on general public. “We should not force them (public) but tell them why we are doing so and if they allow, we can pin the black flag on them,” he said.
The HYC will continue their agitation with a sit-in demonstration at the parking lot of Additional Secretariat. They want a discussion with all ruling alliance MLAs on July 29.