Meghalaya NGOs want consistent power failure addressed
The joint action committee (JAC) of three NGOs from Ri-bhoi district which includes Meghalaya People’s Social Organization (MPSO), ka Ri-bhoi Youth Organization (RBYO) and the Meghalaya People’s United Front (MPUF) today met minister in-charge of power A. T Mondal to seek his intervention with regard to alleged consistent power failure in Ri-bhoi district.
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Speaking to media persons, Jackson Sohtun informed that the frequent power cuts in Ri-bhoi district has created a lot of inconvenience to the people of the region, especially to the students who are preparing their respective examination.
Sohtun alleged that the district is experiencing unscheduled timing of power cuts and this has caught the public unaware as there are no notifications from the power department with regard to the timing of loading or power cuts.
“We have met the minister in-charge of power to appraise him with regard to the frequent and unscheduled timing of power cuts which has created a lot of inconvenience to the people of the district,” said Sohtun.
He added that the JAC has urged the minister to look into the matter and to ask the department to come out with some kind of notice on the timing of load shedding for Ri-bhoi district.
ACHIK highlights advantages of winter capital
ACHIK has organised awareness campaign on Winter Capital/Second Capital with Six A’khing Nokmas in Wangala Building Asanang.
The organization as a part of mobilisation had organised an awareness campaign with six A’khing Nokmas for the people residing in these Six A’khinglands.
Speaking on the occasion, the General Secretary Advocate Bernita R Marak gave a clarification on the Job Reservation Policy, 1972 and the emergence of Roster System which was a verdict of the High Court.
Advocate Bernita R Marak informed the participation about the history of the verdict of Roster System in Job Reservation Policy in Meghalaya.
She also clarified on the matters of cutoff date on Roster System and why Achik community needed to stand together on the issue.
The issue of Winter Capital was also brought up by the Education Secretary, Macklowrence M Sangma where he informed and clarified that the demand for the Second Capital in Tura is not a new one but has existed even before the creation of the state of Meghalaya.
He informed that Second Capital in Tura was in agreement with all the stakeholders during the creation of the state of Meghalaya.
He assured that ACHIK as an organization is working, mobilizing and working in tandem with the other organisations in Garo Hills.
He said that Winter Capital is not the issue of only one organization but it is the issue of the A•chik nation and regretted that some organization claims it as their issue.
He opined that Winter Capital or Second Capital should unite the Garos and other tribes or non tribals across the Garo Hills and hope to see the reality soon.
The realisation of the Winter Capital in Tura would depend on the Unity and the massive movements that the people Garo Hills can create, he concludes.
AIM against gambling in melas
The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.
Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.
“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.
Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.