Tura, Feb 28: The series of protests against the elevation of Rakesh Sangma to the post of the CEM of the GHADC ended today after the Babelapara MDC tendered his resignation from the post.
Meanwhile in celebration of their demands being met, the protesting NGOs today took out a huge rally that travelled across the town of Tura.
The NGOs had announced on Sunday that they would continue the protest despite assurances made by the NPP-led coalition of Rakesh’s resignation as no written documentation had been provided to them. They went a step further and invited people from across Garo Hills to come and join them in the act.
The call for a protest rally was given by the GSU, FKJGP, AYWO, ADE, FAF, AHAM among others.
Rakesh, late last evening submitted his resignation to the Governor Meghalaya ending the crisis that had threatened to take on extremely large proportions.
However, the day almost got off on the wrong note due to goof up after the date on the resignation showed the year 2020. However an updated copy of the resignation was later resent. However, due to the goof up, there was confusion within the rank and file of the protestors, who sought clarity on the matter.
Another letter by the deputy commissioner of WGH, Ram Singh to the Commissioner and Secretary forwarding the details of the resignation soothed nerves, though not fully. Clarity was finally brought about after one of the persons known to be close to both Rakesh as well as the protesting groups got a confirmation from Rakesh himself.
The confirmation by Rakesh led to the protestors ending their protest though not without holding a rally signifying their victory.
The rally that began at the Tura Government College field went through Hawakhana, Babupara, the market area before ending in the same place it began. Prior to the rally the NGO leaders thanked all for their support that made the change possible.
During the victory rally shouts of ‘Long Live Garoland’ and GHADC for Garos rent the air. More than 3000 people, including women, senior citizens, youths and NGO members, took part in the procession. The rallyists came from all the various districts of Garo Hills in an obvious show of unity.
The district administration of WGH had earlier asked for shops to be shut down prior to the rally in an effort to preempt any untoward taking place.
With the resignation of Rakesh all eyes will not be turned on Albinush Marak, who is expected to become the new CEM of the Council after being named as Rakesh’s replacement by the NPP-led coalition.