HYC's 'long' march concludes

From A Reporter

SHILLONG, Aug 24: Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) Nongstoin circle members on Thursday while undertaking a march from Nongstoin to Shillong encountered the convoy of Chief Minister Mukul Sangma at 3rd Mile and immediately shouted slogans demanding implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the State.

The council members encountered the convoy of Chief Minister as he was on his way to lay the foundation stone for the Science & Commerce College at Mawphlang.

Around 70 HYC Nongstoin circle members reached Shillong along with placards after a three-day-long foot march from Nongstoin to demand development in West Khasi Hills and in support of its Save Hynniewtrep Mission movement.

The HYC members left Nongstoin on Tuesday and reached the State Capital on Thursday after resting overnight at Mairang and Mawngap.

A member of the council, Oliver Marngar, collapsed upon reaching 3rd Mile as he was uble to walk further and was later shifted to Shillong Civil hospital.

Interestingly, the 93-km-long arduous march of the HYC members also had a companion in the form of a dog who followed them from Mawngap village till their finishing point at Additiol Secretariat parking lot.

The Council members submitted a memorandum listing its demands, including construction of roads and colleges, to the Chief Minister.

Later speaking to reporters, HYC Nongstoin circle president Lumlang Kharsyiemlieh said ”The march from Nongstoin to Shillong is to create awareness on the lack of developmental actives by the State government, especially in West Khasi Hills even as we attained our district 21 years back.” He informed the media that the council has sought over seven appointments with the Chief Minister in the past to discuss the problems encountered by the people of the district, but till date no reply has been received by them.

“It is because of this indifferent attitude of the State government that has forced us to take out the march and highlight the problems faced by the people of West Khasi Hills,” he said.

Kharsyiemlieh further said if the government fails to fulfil their demands, then the Council will hold a meeting to contemplate on future course of action.

The march is also to show support to the demand of the HYC central body to implement ILP in the State.