Chief Minister's meeting venue hit by protest

Shillong, Aug 9: A pressure group of the State on Wednesday staged a surprise protest at the venue where Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma attended a function.

It may be mentioned that recently the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) decided to organize surprise protests wherever the Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers attend programmes for the alleged failure of the government to implement their demands, including introducing the Inner Line Permit (ILP).

On Wednesday, activists of the HYC Shillong City unit staged the surprise protest when Sangma went to iugurate a Multi Facility Utility Centre in Mawkhar locality of the city. The organisation had christened their move as “Save Hynñiewtrep Mission”.

Even though Section 144 of the CrPC was in force, activists of the pressure group arrived at the venue where Dr Sangma was to attend the function. The HYC activists carried placards condemning him, his Cabinet colleagues and the State government for their alleged failure to fulfill their demands.

On Tuesday, the District Magistrate of East Khasi Hills district had promulgated Section 144 of the CrPC prohibiting any person or persons holding spontaneous black flag demonstration and burning of effigies without permission.

The order was in fact to preempt the possibility of the HYC to hold spontaneous black flag demonstration and other activities.

The district administration in its order said that this may result in breakdown of law and order.

As soon as the activists emerged, officials of the district administration and the HYC were involved in a heated argument.

Later on, the HYC activists were allowed to raise placards but were warned by the authorities of the district administration present at the venue from raising slogans and going near the road.

Not pleased with the attitude of the officials, the HYC condemned the district administration.

The HYC alleged that the district administration had disturbed its members despite they holding peaceful protest.