The venue where VPP president Ardent M. Basaiawmoit is holding his indefinite hunger strike saw two unexpected visitors today.
UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh came to the site in the afternoon and met Basaiawmoit. He also enquired about his health.
Speaking to media persons, Mawthoh admitted that review of the reservation policy was one of the issues in the UDP manifesto during the recent Assembly elections.
Another unexpected visitor to the fast site was Amazing Kurbah, the main campaigner for the UDP at the recent Assembly election in Sohiong.
Kurbah who arrived early in the morning met Basaiawmoit and interacted with him.
Later speaking to media persons, Kurbah said that the reservation issue is a matter that should be taken up seriously by the State government and all political parties.
“This is an issue affecting our people. The political parties in this government including the UDP should not be adamant. I will speak to the UDP president and also to the MLA of Sohiong and tell them that they should resolve this issue at the earliest,” he said.
Kurbah also praised Basaiawmoit for taking up the issue and said that the sacrifice by the VPP president should not go in vain.
Nongthymmai MDC Latiplang Kharkongor who met Basaiawmoit said the hunger strike by the VPP leader is for the future generation of the State and to address the unemployment crisis.
“I feel the stance taken by the VPP chief is genuine because the 40:40 ratio of job reservation is unjustified. Seeing the unemployment crisis faced by our youth, it is high time that the reservation policy is reviewed,” Kharkongor told reporters.
The hunger strike by Basaiawmoit saw a massive throng of people today including students, government employees and women. Large number of people from rural areas also came in hordes to express solidarity with the fasting VPP chief.