VPP stages rally in Shillong, alleges MDA government ignored public concerns
Thousands of VPP supporters marched through Shillong on Wednesday, alleging the NPP-led MDA government has not addressed public concerns. The party also raised疑
Thousands of supporters of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) took out a street rally in Shillong on Wednesday. The party accused the NPP-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government of not addressing public concerns and of pursuing policies that, according to them, go against the interests of indigenous communities.
The protest reportedly drew around 3,000 participants. It began at IGP, then moved past the State Secretariat. After that, the rally halted at the Additional Secretariat parking lot before protesters marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, where the demonstration ended peacefully.
Protest over lack of time and access in the Assembly
VPP president and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said the party felt forced to take its issues to the streets. He said VPP members had repeatedly raised concerns in the Assembly but were not given adequate opportunities to speak. He also argued that limited time and the way proceedings are run make meaningful discussion difficult.
He said the party has listed multiple issues that it wants taken up, but felt constrained by the short duration of Assembly sessions and the format of debate. Basaiawmoit added that the government should listen to public concerns and engage with the party rather than leaving issues unaddressed.
Claims on proposed Shree Cement project process
The rally also focused on the proposed Shree Cement project. Basaiawmoit criticised a recent public hearing on the project. He alleged that the government did not ensure what he called a fair and transparent process, and questioned whether both supporters and opponents were able to participate.
According to him, people opposed to the project were prevented from joining the hearing. He said the VPP will not accept the report of that public hearing, and argued that the hearing should be declared null and void.
The protest came after Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma met with the two deputy chief ministers and the Director General of Police to review the law and order situation ahead of the rally. After that meeting, Sangma said the government is open to discussions on issues, and that the Assembly is the appropriate place to raise grievances.
