Fifth anniversary of HYC in city
SHILLONG: Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) Executive Member, Paul Lyngdoh said the current situation demands sharp leaders who have the courage and the wisdom to lead the indigenous tribal communities of the state. He was speaking on the foundation day of the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) on Wednesday at U Soso Tham auditorium.
Having journeyed for five years, the organisation has launched its website and music.
Speaking on the occasion, the former Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) leader recalled the time when the KSU was revived in 1991 and stressed on producing quality leaders and not only rely on quantity.
HYC is a break-away faction of the KSU when it headed for a split in 2014.
Similarly, president of HYC, Robert June Kharjahrin recalled his days in the KSU and said the HYC will imitate and follow the footsteps of the many former leaders of KSU.
“We are not a racist organisation and it was formed with the intention to protect.
We have also not set aside the demand for ILP (Inner Line Permit),” he said.
Former president of HYC, Peter Lawai said most of the indigenous lands have been surreptitiously handed over to companies from outside the state thereby draining the resources owned by the community and posing a danger.
He went on to say that women are resources of the community and expressed concern over women going astray and on the rise of prostitution, human trafficking, single mothers whose off-springs are fathered either by Khasi or a non-Khasi.
He pointed out some issues which are to be taken up by the HYC members such as illegal usage of Khasi surnames by outsiders besides being vigilant against drugs which he termed as a silent invasion.
Turning to the men, he urged them to be faithful to their wives and called for a strong foundation of marriage to make the community responsible and respectable.
Speaking about the education scenario in the state on the mushrooming of schools with no proper facilities, he said, “In a village of 1000 households, there exists about more than 20 schools. On the other hand, the education policy has failed, the educational system churns out many students but they have no-where else to go.”
Lawai urged the HYC members to be alert and watch out for irregularities in the health system as malnourishment in children is on the rise.
Speaking about political illiteracy, he also pointed out that the HYC members should create awareness on electing better politicians without getting lured by money.
Commenting on influx, he said Meghalaya has a high average growth rate of outsiders than India and that the members of the organisation have already apprehended over 1 lakh outsiders.