The A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) held an awareness campaign on the roster system and demand for Tura being the winter capital.
The event was organised in conjunction with the Garo Students Union, Williamnagar Government College Students’ Union, Loyola College Students’ Union, commercial drivers’ association and others at Williamnagar. More than 500 people reportedly took part.
Speaking on the occasion, ACHIK vice-president Greneth M Sangma said the demands are justified as part of the rights of the community and are not meant to stir communal disharmony.
ACHIK general secretary Bernita R Marak told the gathering that the rights that the organisation is demanding are not illegal or new but legitimate as they were enshrined in the provisions during the creation of the state by the forefathers of Meghalaya.
Laben Ch Marak, a former civil servant, clarified on the etymology, history and the emergence of the roster system in the job reservation policy.
Other speakers included the president of GSU’s eastern zone unit and the leaders of the various NGOs that took part in the awareness campaign and rally.