Shillong, April 10: The Awaken India Movement (AIM) on Wednesday served a 7-day ultimatum to the state government to stop forcing people for Aadhaar enrolment.
The decision was taken after a protest staged in front of the Kiang Nangbah statue at Barik point amid tight security cover.
A clash also broke out when police stopped protesters from taking out a protest march to the secretariat.
The incident led to heavy traffic jams in the Barik point as vehicles were stranded as police and protesters were engaged in heated arguments.
Some of the protesters were also seen being dragged inside the police vehicle but were later released following intervention of suspended VPP legislator Adelbert Nongrum, who also joined the protest by AIM.
Later, leaders of AIM were allowed to meet the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district, RM Kurbah, to submit their memorandum on the matter.
After the meeting, president of AIM, Banshai Marbaniang, told reporters that the Deputy Commissioner assured the delegation that she would immediately forward the memorandum to the Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma for necessary decision and action on the matter.
He also clarified that the AIM is not against Aadhaar enrolment but it is protesting against the government’s attempt to force people to enrol for Aadhaar in the state.
Quoting a Supreme Court ruling, Marbaniang said, “It (court order) clearly mentioned that in states especially Meghalaya, Assam and Jammu & Kashmir, Aadhaar is not mandatory. Therefore, let people decide if they want to go for Aadhaar enrolment or not. Forcing is totally unacceptable in a democratic country.”
The AIM leader however accused the government of threatening to stop benefits to people including students, ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, MGNREGS job card holders, pensioners if they do not have Aadhaar. “In view of this, we have decided to serve a seven-day ultimatum to the state government to resolve this issue failing which we will approach the High Court or Supreme Court (for justice),” Marbaniang said.
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