TURA, June 1: Meghalaya Trinamool Congress leader and GHADC MDC from Rongrong, Rinaldo K. Sangma on Thursday came down heavily on VPP supremo, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit for allegedly trying to incite tension between the Khasi-Jaintia and the Garo tribes on the job reservation issue despite actual data and statistics being available.
“It is disheartening to see that despite data and statistics being available to point out which community among the major Meghalayan tribal brethren has been enjoying the lion’s share of the reservation policy since the inception of our state, Ardent Basaiawmoit is consciously insistent on creating a sense of discord and widening the chasm between the three communities,” Sangma said.
“Prima facie, it is evident by the numbers that Garos have been the deprived in all aspects and the High Court of Meghalaya has acknowledged this deprivation and hence directed the roster system to be implemented,” the MDC said.
“Ardent’s adamant and callous attitude hinders the goodwill and harmonious co-existence of the tribals of Meghalaya. A leader of his stature should understand the repercussions of such impetuous actions. His call for review of the job reservation policy is censured and all backlogs belonging to the Garo community must be compensated prior to such a review,” the MDC demanded.
Sangma pointed out that the best solution to the current imbroglio is the creation of a Winter Capital in Tura as promised by the founding fathers of Meghalaya.
“Maybe in the coming years, with social equity and establishment of proper educational and administrative institutes, we shall compete at par and deliberate on reviewing the reservation policy,” the MDC added, while appealing for peace as well as the maintenance of status quo on the matter.
