CoMSO torchlight rallyists chant 'No ILP No Rest'

SHILLONG: The streets of Shillong city echoed with 'No ILP No Rest' slogans by members of pressure groups, marching from Shillong polytechnic to Motphran on December 30.

Under the umbrella of 'Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisation' (CoMSO), hundreds of activists carrying torchlights pressed for their demand while commemorating the 158th death anniversary of the legendary freedom fighter, Woh Kiang Nongbah.

The agitated members of CoMSO shouted slogans and waved their flags as they rallied through the narrow lanes and streets. After the rallyists reached the Motphran parking lot, the leaders took turns to address the gathering on the need for ILP as soon as possible. The protestors had demanded that the ILP be implemented in Meghalaya after the Union government had granted ILP to Manipur.

CoMSO secretary Roy Kupar Synrem said, "We are commemorating the 158 death anniversary of Woh Kiang Nongbah who hailing from the Jaintia Hills, fought for the freedom of the Hynnietrwep people; and at the same time we have carried out this torchlight rally to show our displeasure at the adamant attitude of the Central government on our demand for ILP.''

Recalling the recent statement of Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his speech at Manipur that the Manipur had not asked for ILP, but the Prime Minister had given it to them, Roy posed, ''We want to ask the NDA government as to why this step-motherly attitude is being demonstrated towards the people of Meghalaya?''

He further said, ''We have been demanding the ILP since long; and the State Assembly also unanimously passed the resolution in favour of the emand for ILP. It is high time that Meghalaya should get ILP.''

For several years, the people of Meghalaya have been demanding the ILP, to protect the interests of the indigenous communities in the hill State. (Agencies)

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