SHILLONG, July 17: The KSU has blamed the political leaders of the state for failing to formulate policies for the benefit of people in the past 50 years.
“It is pretty sad that the so-called leaders, whom we elected, are happy just by distributing schemes to people. This is not enough since we need real policies which will give real benefit, whether it is livelihood or development,” KSU president, Lambokstarwell Marngar said at an event on Monday to commemorate the 188th death anniversary of legendary Khasi freedom fighter U Tirot Sing Syiem.
He asked political leaders to stop using the VIP siren and instead focus on their responsibilities.
Marngar said there have been a lot of discussions on the state of affairs in the education system, especially failure of Meghalaya Board of School Education to deliver.
He said there was a suggestion to change the syllabus but the board cannot make any decisions on this. The owners of publication houses manage to persuade the board to continue using their textbooks by assuring a share from the proceeds of sale of textbooks, he alleged.
He stressed that this should be stopped if the education system in the state has to grow.
Talking about the pending issues of Inner Line Permit and inclusion of the Khasi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, Marngar said it is the responsibility of the state government to fulfil the two demands.
“We expect the state government to tell people about the status of the two demands,” he said.
The KSU president expressed deep concern over the Centre’s move to impose laws (UCC), viewed detrimental to the interests of indigenous communities. He called upon people to oppose the same.
The KSU paid floral tribute at the life-size statue of U Tirot Sing Syiem at Madan Iewrynghep to honour him for his sacrifices. The members of HNYF, HITO and other pressure groups joined the KSU in paying tribute. For the first time, the leaders of the HNLC were also present.
Guv, CM pay tributes
Governor Phagu Chauhan and Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday paid glowing tributes to U Tirot Sing Syiem on his 188th death anniversary.
The Governor described Tirot Sing Syiem as a “true hero and a symbol of resistance”. “Let us forge ahead on the path of prosperity, guided by the spirit of U Tirot Sing Syiem. May this day strengthen our unity and motivate us to achieve greater heights,” he said.
The CM laid wreaths at the memorial of the Khasi freedom fighter at Mairang in Eastern West Khasi Hills.
Sangma was accompanied by KHADC Chief Executive Member Pyniaid Sing Syiem and local MLA Metbah Lyngdoh.
“The stories of U Tirot Sing Syiem’s valour to protect his people & his land will forever make him one of the fiercest freedom fighters of the region & the country. We bow to his courage, his sacrifice & his unyielding resolve,” the CM said in a tweet.
“Better die an independent king than reign as the vassal,” Sangma added, quoting the words of the Khasi martyr.