HITO opposes M’laya-K’taka MoU on poultry and piggery

SHILLONG, Jan 19: The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has strongly opposed the proposed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Meghalaya government and the Karnataka government on poultry and piggery.
In a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, HITO vice president, Shaniah Nongrum, stated that the agreement with the Karnataka Cooperative Society is set to be signed on January 23.
He criticised the move, citing a lack of transparency, public consultation and consideration for the long-term welfare of people of Meghalaya.
According to Nongrum, the decision to proceed with the MoU was made without seeking public opinion, undermining democratic principles and citizens’ rights to be informed and involved in matters affecting their livelihoods.
He further expressed concern that the terms and conditions of the MoU have not been discussed in the Assembly, stressing that such agreements require scrutiny, debate and consensus to ensure accountability and fairness in governance.
The HITO vice president also questioned the Meghalaya government’s priorities, highlighting the lack of transparency surrounding the agreement.
He asserted that the people of Meghalaya deserve to be informed and reassured that their welfare takes precedence over external interests.
Nongrum urged the government to reconsider the MoU and engage in meaningful dialogue with the public and their representatives first.
“If these legitimate concerns are not addressed immediately, we will have no choice but to mobilise public opinion and take to the streets to ensure that the democratic rights of the people are upheld,” the HITO vice president stated.