HNLC observes martyrs’ day

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 21: The proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) today observed the martyrs’ day in recognition of the leaders and cadres who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the relentless fight against Indian illegal occupation and oppression.

In a statement, HNLC general secretary cum publicity secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw said that Sambor Mawthoh @Dengdeng holds a significant place in the history of the HNLC.

He tragically lost his life as the first cadre of HNLC during an encounter with the Meghalaya Police on September 21, 1994 at Jaiaw. In recognition of his sacrifice, the HNLC declared this day as the Martyrs’ Day of the organization, Nongtraw said.

He said that the HNLC meticulously maintain records of all its cadres and leaders who have dedicated their lives to the cause of the ‘Hynńiewtrep Nation’.

“The bloodshed by these brave youths will not be in vain, as the HNLC is determined to ensure that our struggle becomes a part of history,” the general secretary said adding “The importance of this day lies in commemorating and honouring the courageous leaders and cadres who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the relentless fight against Indian illegal occupation and oppression. It is a solemn occasion that pays tribute to those who fearlessly fought for the rights and aspirations of their people. The unwavering dedication, sacrifices, and the ultimate sacrifice made by these youths serve as a testament to their indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to seeking justice and freedom. On this day, we take a moment to solemnly remember their invaluable sacrifices and express our heartfelt gratitude for their selflessness and bravery.”

Stating that they reluctantly joined the Indian Union under coercion and at gunpoint, not by choice, Nongtraw said the formation of the HNLC is based on our nation’s historical rights.

“Numerous young individuals have joined the HNLC, prepared to rewrite history,” he said.

He said there has never been a bloodless revolution, nonviolent revolution, or turn-the-other-cheek revolution in history.

He said that nonviolence will not be effective if the oppressor lacks a moral conscience.

“May the souls of these fallen heroes find eternal peace, and may their legacy continue to inspire future generations to stand up against injustice and oppression. Martyrs Day serves as a reminder of their noble cause, urging us to carry forward their aspirations and never waver in our pursuit of justice and freedom for the Hynńiewtrep Nation,” Nongtraw added.

KSU urges Ampareen to ensure upgrade of health facilities in SWKH

The Khasi Student Union (KSU) South West Khasi Hills District met the minister in charge of health department Ampareen Lyngdoh to follow up with regard to the up-gradation of various health centres in the district including the 100 bedded CHC in Mawkyrwat.

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Speaking to media persons, president of the KSU SWKHD Forwardman Nongrem claim that the health centres in South West Khasi Hills and Mawsynram C&RD Block of East Khasi Hills District still lack behind hence the union has asked the minister in charge to look into the matter for the benefits of the people of these two regions.

Nongrem informed that when it comes to the 100 bedded CHC in Mawkyrwat, though the CHC was open in December 2022 yet the health centre still lacks basic health services like radiology, surgeons, Intensive Care Unit, Operation Theater Department and ambulances for the patients.

He added that the 100 bedded CHC in Mawkyrwat still lacks manpower which includes in Grade IV, manpower in the Outpatient Department, Staff Nurses and Assistant, security, and other non-medical staff.

The KSU president also informed that the union has asked the minister in charge of health to set up the office of the District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) in South West Khasi Hills in order to look into providing health services to the people.

“It has been more than ten years for the South West Khasi Hills District to be recognized as one of the districts in Meghalaya yet till date the district has not had DMHO headquarter to facilitate the doctors and nurses in the region” said Nongrem.

He added that the KSU has urged the minister in charge of health to set up a new Health Sub Centre in Mawhiang, Mawthong and Jyllep village and also to upgrade the Dangar PHC to CHC in order to provide quality health services to the people residing in those areas.

“The meeting with the minister in charge of health was successful as we were informed that the minister will look into all these demands and will get back to the union after two weeks after discussing with the department” he added.

On the other hand, the KSU also urged the minister in charge to provide basic requirements at Wahkaji and Mawsynram CHC like Pharmacist and Ambulances” he added.

Govt wants 10 CAPF companies to check illegal coal transport

Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has informed that he had already written to the Government of India for deployment of 10 companies of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) to check the illegal transportation of coal in the state.

“I had written to the Government of India on it so the Government of India will respond accordingly,” Sangma told reporters today when asked about the Meghalaya High Court’s order for the deployment of CAPF.

In its order passed on April 12, the full bench headed by Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee had said, “and the Union Ministry of Home, through the Union Home Secretary, is directed to ensure the deployment of 10 companies of the appropriate Central Armed Police Force to be commanded independently or jointly by the officers from the local police that may be selected by the Court, strictly for the purpose of keeping a vigil on the roads and arresting the illegal transportation of illegally mined coal in the State.”

The Court had also directed that the Union’s response through the relevant Secretary should be available when the matter appears next a fortnight hence.

This was after DSGI Dr Mozika had informed that the Central Industrial Security Force is unwilling to take up the assignment of deploying 10 companies for the purpose of checking the illegal transportation of coal in the state, primarily because the nature of the work does not fall within the usual activities undertaken by such police force.

However, the order said that the Court did not seek out the CISF in particular, but had initially sought to explore the possibility of deploying the Central Reserve Police Force with the mandate to check the illegal transportation of coal in the State.

It was at such stage that it was suggested on behalf of the Union since the CRPF works under the instructions of the local police and the real intention of this Court was for the local police not to be associated in the process since it had been ineffective in such regard, the CISF may be the appropriate force.

“In any event, no direction had been issued for deployment. The previous orders merely provided for the CISF to indicate its readiness. Despite the apparent unwillingness on the part of the CISF, once a direction is issued by the Court, the relevant force would be bound thereby, subject to its right to have the order tested in the appropriate forum. However, no such direction is issued immediately,” the Court had said.