Shillong, April 1: The A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK) on Friday requested the Voice of the People Party (VPP) to raise the matter relating to setting up a winter capital in Tura as well as shifting of the Additional Secretariat and heads of offices and departments to Garo Hills.

“This move would demonstrate that the VPP is not a communal party, but rather one committed to communal harmony and the welfare of all sections of the community,” ACHIK vice president Greneth M. Sangma said in a statement.

He was reacting to the VPP statement that the party is not communal.

“The ACHIK’s request is significant as it highlights the importance of communal harmony in politics. In a diverse country like India, where people from different religions, castes, and regions coexist, it is essential to have leaders who are committed to the welfare of all sections of the community,” he said.

Stating that political parties that prioritize the interests of one particular community over others can create divisions and tensions that can be detrimental to the country’s progress, Sangma said, “Therefore, it is crucial for political parties to prioritize communal harmony and work towards the betterment of all communities. This can be achieved through various means, such as setting up institutions and infrastructure in underdeveloped areas, providing equal opportunities to all, and ensuring that the rights of all communities are protected.”

He added, “The ACHIK’s request for a Winter Capital in Tura and the shifting of the Additional Secretariat and Heads of Offices/Departments to Garo Hills is a step in the right direction towards achieving communal harmony. These moves would not only benefit the people of Garo Hills but also demonstrate the VPP’s commitment to the welfare of all communities.”

Terming the issue of reservation policy as sensitive, Sangma said it is important for the MLAs of VPP to consider the facts and the implications of the High Court’s intervention in job recruitment.

“If there were no malpractices, then why did the court have to step in? It is possible that there were discrepancies in the implementation of the reservation policy, which led to the court’s intervention. This raises questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the recruitment policies,” he said while adding that “It is important for the MLAs to acknowledge the historical context and significance of the reservation policy, which was put in place to address the systemic discrimination and marginalization faced by certain communities.”

According to him, the policy has been in effect for decades and has been upheld by successive governments. However, if there are issues with its implementation, then it is the responsibility of the MLAs to address them and ensure that they are rectified.

Ultimately, the MLAs of VPP must take a close and critical look at the recruitment policies and the reservation policy to ensure that they are fair, just, and effective. They must also be open to feedback and input from the community, and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society for all, he further asserted.