Sit-in-demonstration called by HYC foiled

A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Aug 21: The sit-in-demonstration called by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) in front of the Chief Minister’s residence failed to materialize due to heavy security arrangement. The demonstration was in protest against the alleged adamant attitude of the State government towards their demand to scrap the Ordince 2015.

Section 144 CrPC, was imposed within a radius of 500 metres of the Chief Minister’s residence and the security mechanism was seen deployed in full strength to deter the 40-50 volunteers who were preparing to march to the CM residence.

The members of HYC had to stage the sit-in-demonstration at Polo Parking lot. Hundreds of police persol were also seen in and around the area to ensure that there is no untoward incident. Even the traffic was seen being diverted in view of the sit-in protest call.

The leaders of HYC were later called by the Home Minister Roshan Warjri to discuss the issue. She has assured them that she will take up their issue with the Chief Minister first after which she will invite them for a joint meeting with the CM to discuss on the matter.

“Since we are not allowed to stage our protest in front of the CMs residence the Home Minister has invited us for talks and we have expressed our reasons to her on why we are against the Ordince, she however was uble to give us any decision on the matter citing that she will first have to discuss it with the CM,” Peter Lawai, president of HYC told media person here on Friday.

He informed that the Home Minister has also assured them that after this matter is disused with the Chief Minister she will then fix a date to convene a joint meeting in which the CM, the Law Minister, including herself along with leaders of the HYC to discuss on their demand to scrap the Ordince.

“We have decided to continue with our mission to make the people aware about the positive and negative effects of the Ordince by distributing pamphlets across the state and organising awareness programs in various villages,” Lawai said adding that if the State government keep delaying the issue then they will carry out a public march from their main office locate at Mawlai towards the Main Secretariat building.

According to him, even if the Governor gives his assent on the VAB it will not be able to function until and unless the Ordince is revoked.

Meanwhile, Robertjune K Jahrin general secretary HYC said that in section (3) of the Ordince it states that anyone who needs a certificate can write to the Headman and the certificate should be given within 5 days and if the Headman is not able to give the certificate then he will be summoned by the Deputy Commissioner to explain the reason for the non-issuing of the certificate.

“This is one section in the Ordince which poses great danger towards our people and there are many more sections in this Ordince which goes against our traditiol belief and customs,” he said.