HYC observes black flag day

From A Reporter

SHILLONG, July 26: The first phase of agitation by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) witnessed two arrests of its members by police from Police Bazar area of the city on Wednesday as they were pinning black flags on local taxis and citizens. 

However, soon after the arrest, the two members were released after leaders of the council approached the police requesting their release.

The black flag day observed by the HYC on Wednesday was aimed at pressurizing the State government to implement its 14-point demands, which include introduction of the Inner Line Permit (ILP) to check influx.

Activists of the HYC were seen distributing black flags to people and vehicles, including pasting of pro-ILP and anti-government posters, in different parts of the city.

The council members began their agitation by strapping black flag banner in the State Capital, starting from the residence of Meghalaya Health Minister Roshan Warjri.

The HYC members pasted black banners in various parts the city led by their vice-president Donbok Kharlyngdoh. Some of the banners read “Save Hynniewtrep Land” and “Implement the Inner Line Permit System in Hynniewtrep Land”.

The council members also tried to paste black banners along with inscriptions demanding implementation of the ILP outside the gate of Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma’s official residence. However, their attempts were foiled when a team of police stopped them.

The HYC members also pasted black flags in almost all residences of the local representatives in the Meghalaya Assembly in the Capital city.

Speaking to reporters, HYC assistant secretary Rhembor G Saibon said, “We have carried out this protest by pinning black flags in the city because of the silent attitude of the government over our 14-point demands.” The HYC members also strapped a black flag at the official residence of IT Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh in Laitumkhrah area of the city.