Shillong, Nov 13: The demand to scrap the Shillong Peak Ropeway project gained further support today when the Hynniewtrep Youths’ Council (HYC) women’s wing joined the ongoing protest at the Kiang Nangbah statue near Shillong Civil Hospital today.
The HYC women’s wing’s president, Badashisha Lyngkhoi, and vice-president, K Sohshang, said that the pressure group is deeply saddened to see the protests against the ropeway project in Lum Shyllong.
Sohshang said that present political leaders do not have the vision and sense of responsibility for what will happen to future generations, which is why they are pushing through with this project. Sohshang said that Lum Shyllong is the lungs of not only Shillong city but also of Khasi-Jaintia Hills.
“We are here to extend our support to the mothers,” Sohshang said even as she condemned the police action on the JAC members during their protest march to the Secretariat yesterday.
She also urged the government to listen to the demands of the JAC members and cancel the ropeway project, adding that those in power are turning a deaf ear to the requests.
Meanwhile, the United Democratic Party (UDP) youth wing today sent a letter to the Chief Minister urging the government to reach an agreement with the JAC on the ropeway project.
The UDP youth wing said that it supports development but insisted that it should not affect the environment especially in areas where there are water sources.
It also urged the state government to consult thoroughly on this issue with the Dorbar Shnongs, Syiems and Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) before proceeding with this project.
