Shillong, Jan 27: Barry Pyngrope, an agriculture student and a YouTuber, has come out to demand the amendment of the job reservation policy of the State, seeking equal distribution among the three tribes – Khasi, Jaintia and Garo in the state.

She will be holding a signature campaign on January 29 at 11 am at Mawkhar Taxi Stand, Shillong to press the government for the same.

Currently, the reservation policy in the State stands at 40 per cent for Khasi-Jantia, 40 percent for Garo, 5 percent for other tribes and 15 percent for general category.

Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Pyngrope said she personally has nothing against the Garo community but only seeks equality in distribution of the reservation policy.

A student of Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences (SHUATS), Prayagraj, she also maintained that the campaign is not a fight against any community but it is against the government for having a slow response despite seeing the increase in the population of the two tribes.

“Many Garo students who are coming forward supporting our cause say this is nothing communal (as) this is something which will ensure healthy competition for students,” Pyngrope claimed.

She further asserted that the Khasi-Jaintia population is too much so the policy cannot continue the same as many potential candidates are missing the opportunities.

Pyngrope admitted that the demand is not new as there have been leaders who have taken up the issue but nothing positive has come up due to the lack of political will on the part of the state government.

“This reservation policy has been going on for 50 years enough is enough…the youth is behind me as I have no political agenda, I am just an agriculture student. The government will have to listen to us,” she said.

When asked, Pyngrope said that there are many opinions flowing but she would leave it to the wisdom of the state legislature to ensure there is equal distribution among the three tribes.

“I respect the legislature that is their decision how much to give us but I just know this is not equal how can one tribe get 40 and how can two tribes get 20-20 that is my issue,” she asserted.

She informed that they would also approach KHNAM leader Adelbert Nongrum for his suggestion on the next course of action.