The Hynniewtrep Youths Council (HYC) will hold a series of ‘educational events’ for voters ahead of the February 27 Assembly election.
Addressing reporters today, HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin said that too many businessmen with ulterior motives and conmen have entered politics and ruined the political scenario of Meghalaya.
The Inner Line Permit (ILP) is a particular sticking point for the HYC and likeminded groups. Although a resolution was passed in the Assembly in 2019 in its favour, the central government has yet to implement it in Meghalaya.
“Whenever we meet Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to inquire about the status of ILP, the only answer we get is that the Union Home Ministry is examining the matter,” Kharjahrin said, adding that, in contrast, Union ministers visiting the state and even South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai all say that if the BJP returns 31 MLAs the party will grant ILP. “Which one is true? Whether the BJP wants political mileage out of the ILP issue or is the Home Ministry still examining it?”
This confusion extends to the border agreement signed with Assam. While the government praises its work on the deal, the villagers of the border areas are up in arms in opposition to it, the pressure group leader said.
Kharjahrin further said that this is the reason that the HYC will launch the ‘Rai EhDaw Campaign 2023’ (political awareness campaign) by distributing leaflets, using social media, music, etc followed by a rally at Motphran on February 6 and across the state to enlighten the people of the serious need to choose able statesmen with responsibility as legislators and not businessmen with hidden motives. However, the pressure group will not be opposing or campaigning in favour of any one party.
