SHILLONG, March 4: Various pressure groups on Saturday set March 6 as the deadline for the two HSPDP MLAs – Shakliar Warjri and Methodius Dkhar – to leave the NPP-BJP camp and pave the way for an alternative government in Meghalaya.
The decision was made at a public meeting which the HYC organised at Motphran. It was attended by the leaders of HITO, Ka Sur U Paidbah ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, Hynniewtrep National Youth Movement, Saiñdur Tipkur-tipkha Ïeng Ehrngiew Hynñiewtrep among others.
Speaking at the meeting, HYC vice president Donbok Kharlyngdoh warned that some “drastic” measures would be taken against the two HSPDP MLAs if they fail to desert the NPP-led formation by Monday.
“We will gather at the Raj Bhavan on the day of the swearing-in ceremony of the Chief Minister and the Cabinet Ministers like what we did in December 2019 during the ILP agitations. We will not allow the two HSPDP MLAs to take their oath,” Kharlyngdoh warned.
He further warned that if compelled, the protesting organisations will not hesitate to forcibly pull the duo out of their vehicles to prevent them from entering the Raj Bhavan. Pressure groups, which had planned to hold dharna outside the residences of the two MLAs, have called off their plan after holding discussions with HSPDP president KP Pangniang.
“We have decided to call off this plan since he (Pangniang) told us that the two HSPDP MLAs have agreed to back a government sans NPP and BJP. We will keep a close watch if the two MLAs keep their commitment as informed by the party president,” Kharlyngdoh said.
He however said that they will go ahead with the march to Raj Bhavan on Tuesday if the two MLAs decide to remain with the NPP.
“The two HSPDP MLAs will be solely responsible if there is breakdown in the law and order since they have failed to respect the sentiments of the people who wants a government led by the regional front,” HYC vice president added.
In their speeches, the leaders of the pressure groups stressed on the need to install a non-NPP government to put a stop to irregularities and corruption, which allegedly occurred during the MDA government’s tenure.
A leader of Ka Sur U Paidbah ka Bri U Hynniewtrep, Erwin K Sutnga, told reporters they decided to make an appeal to the two HSPDP MLAs to return as it was clear from the mandate that people want a non-NPP government.
VPP expresses concern
The VPP has flagged concern over the ‘unethical attempt’ to form a government, which has led to certain groups taking to the streets to hold public meetings and protest against such a move.
In a statement here on Saturday, VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh said that the party appeals to the public while exercising their democratic right to protest, to maintain peace and tranquility in the state.
“The daily life and livelihood of the people should not be affected and that the image of the Khasi community in particular and the state in general should not be tarnished. Peace and tranquility is a pre-condition for development and progress,” Myrboh added.
