Voice of the People Party (VPP) president, Ardent M. Basaiawmoit has decided to go on an indefinite hunger strike from May 23 in front of the Main Secretariat to press for review and revamp of the job reservation policy.
Announcing this at a massive public gathering held at the Additional Secretariat parking lot here today, Basaiawmoit said that he was forced to take this step as the MDA government is unwilling to discuss the need to review the flawed quota policy.
“As a party we don’t want to put people in any difficulty or to disturb their livelihood. That’s why the party decided that I should take this step and as a disciplined soldier of the party I have agreed to do so. I will not stop the hunger strike until this issue which is related to the future of our unemployed youth is resolved,” Basaiawmoit said.
Explaining all details on the job reservation policy, the VPP chief said that the retrospective implementation of the roster system would result in Khasi youth not getting any more government job in the next 50 years.
Basaiawmoit also said that his party is not fighting against any community as far as the quota policy is concerned.
“We are not against our Garo brothers and sisters. We will not take their rights in any manner. We are only demanding our rights,” he said.
Slamming the various political parties for agreeing with the stand of the MDA government on the issue, Basaiawmoit said, “The same parties that vowed during election times that they will work for the interest of the people are now working for the interest of Conrad Sangma.”
