Thousands of supporters of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) took to the streets of Shillong on Wednesday, accusing the National People’s Party (NPP)-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government of failing to address public concerns and pursuing policies that are against the interests of indigenous communities.
The rally, which reportedly drew around 3,000 participants, began at IGP and passed around the State Secretariat before halting at the Additional Secretariat parking lot. The protesters later marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner, where the demonstration concluded peacefully.
VPP president and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said the party was compelled to take its protest to the streets because it had repeatedly been denied adequate opportunities to raise public issues in the Assembly. He emphasized that the party is responsible and does not believe in issuing ultimatums to the government, but rather seeks engagement and a willingness to listen to the people’s concerns.
Basaiawmoit also criticized the recent public hearing on the proposed Shree Cement project, alleging that the government had failed to ensure a fair and transparent process. He claimed that people opposed to the project were prevented from participating in the hearing and questioned the government’s handling of the process, stating that the party will not accept the report of that public hearing and demanding that it be declared null and void.
The protest came a day after Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma held a meeting with the two deputy chief ministers and the Director General of Police to review the law and order situation ahead of the rally. Following the meeting, Sangma said the government is open to discussions on any issue but maintained that the Assembly remains the appropriate democratic forum for raising grievances.
