Shillong, May 15: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has declared its intention to stage a sit-in demonstration on May 17, as a form of protest against the state government’s failure to address their demand for a suspension of all recruitment processes until a comprehensive review of the Job Reservation Policy is conducted.
In a statement issued by VPP spokesperson Dr. Batskhem Myrboh, it was stated, “Due to the NPP-led MDA 2.0 government’s stubbornness and lack of response to the Party’s request for the expert committee’s review of the state’s job reservation policy and implementation of the roster system, the Party will organize a sit-in demonstration on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 10 am to 4 pm at the parking lot near the Additional Secretariat.”
The decision was made following the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum given to the state government. Dr. Myrboh urged party members and the public to participate in the protest, aiming to exert pressure on the NPP-led government.
Dr. Myrboh further expressed frustration, stating, “This government appears to be indifferent to reason, fairness, and public concerns.” He also mentioned that further programs would be announced in due course.
On May 12, the VPP submitted a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma after conducting a public meeting near the additional secretariat parking lot. During the meeting, VPP leader Ardent M Basaiawmoit emphasized the party’s intention to initiate a series of protests against the government’s obstinate stance on suspending the recruitment process.
He highlighted that it was the party’s second letter to the government, as they received no response to their initial request for a special session in the Assembly to discuss this critical issue.
The VPP leader clarified the party’s stance, stating, “Our concern lies not only with the roster system but with the entire policy. The policy lacks proportionality. Considering the population structure of the state, the Khasi-Jaintia population surpasses that of Garo Hills. Hence, equal reservation between the two regions is unjustifiable.”
Basaiawmoit emphasized that the VPP’s fight was for the benefit of both the Khasis and the Garos. He added, “Our fight for reservation does not solely revolve around our own interests. We strive for a ‘just and fair’ reservation that serves these two communities.”
