TURA, July 18: The hunger strike by Achik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) in Tura entered its 8th day on Tuesday with the protesters promising not to relent until assurances were provided by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma or his cabinet colleagues on the issues flagged by the group.
ACHIK along with many other NGOs have been demanding the retrospective implementation of the job roster system as well as the creation of a winter capital in Tura.
“Going by how the government has been responding to our protest, we don’t have very high hopes that any move will be made to speak to us soon. We are ready to continue our protest till it is required and we can stretch it for months if there is no response,” stated ACHIK adviser Laben Ch Marak.
After literally no communication with the protesters since the beginning of their protest, the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills (WGH), Jagdish Chelani visited the protest site and tried to convince them to withdraw their protest and wait until the next week for the CM to come before putting up their grievances. This, however, was universally panned by the protestors who told the DC that they were hoping the CM would come to visit and talk to them at the site of the protest.
“This is no longer a protest by us. It is now a movement of the people of Garo Hills and for the future of our children. We cannot call off our protest as the people of Garo Hills are backing us and looking towards us to continue the fight for an issue that is long pending. Everyone is looking at us and we cannot let them down,” added ACHIK general secretary, Bernita Marak.
Responding to the DC calling the protest by ACHIK as illegal, the protesters responded by asking as to how a peaceful protest like the one they were conducting was against the law.
“The Constitution of India allows for peaceful protests under Article 19 a, b and c. We have the right to show that we don’t agree with the government or to put forward our point peacefully. Since the day we started, there has been not even one instance of violence or nuisance created by our groups. On what basis is he calling our protest as illegal,” asked Bernita, who is also a practising lawyer.
They added that there was no political motive behind their move and all they wanted was a better future for those that will come after.
“Every development associated with the set up of a capital is what Garo Hills will get. Right now, us going to Shillong is a costly affair for all. Through the setting up of a winter capital, this burden can be decreased,” added Laben.
ACHIK added that they were not against any community and had no intention of demanding the termination of those already recruited.
“We don’t care if it takes 100 years but we want that the jobs denied to us be given in small batches so that this is made up over time. No one from Garo Hills has demanded that jobs already given be taken away,” stated Bernita.
Meanwhile, the BJP Mahila Morcha has urged everyone to come forward for the cause that was being taken up by ACHIK and others so that the movement goes stronger. BJP Mahila Morcha joined the fast from Monday, and looked visibly weak.
AAYF president, Salsam Marak also appealed to all other NGOs of the region to come forward in support while also urging the CM to come forward and talk to the protesters.
“You are a father figure to all of us, you are leading the state. We look up to you and on that note expect you to care for each one of us. We are watching and hoping you come and speak to us soon,” said Salsam. AAYF along with at least eight other NGOs have joined the ACHIK in the twin demands.
ACHIK’s hunger strike for their twin demands is being watched keenly with many other NGOs watching on the fringes, some of who have already expressed their eagerness to join in the demand for a Winter Capital in Tura.
