Shillong, Nov 20: NPP legislator from Jowai constituency Wailadmiki Shylla on Wednesday took over as new president of the party’s state youth wing – National People’s Youth Front (NPYF) and pledged to address issues of unemployment, drug menace and others that are affecting the youth of the state.

Speaking to media persons, Shylla said, “I am happy that the party has deemed me fit to take charge as the new president of the state youth wing. I know it is a huge responsibility since I am an MLA and also the chairman of the MUDA but I will work hard as we have so many issues (that are affecting our youth).”

“Under the leadership of our chief minister, the government has done so much work to address the issues and it will be my duty to follow up on all of them,” he added.

Spelling out his priorities, Shylla said he would take up the issue of unemployment among the youth.

“Unemployment is not a problem faced by the state of Meghalaya alone and at the same time, youth have to understand that employment is not only confined to government jobs. I will not agree if you say there is no opportunity within the state. If it is like that then why are we having sleepless nights to demand for an inner liner permit (ILP) implementation to keep check on influx of outsiders? Why people from outside the state are coming to Meghalaya if it is not because of the opportunities in the state. But we are yet to be able to tap these opportunities because our local people do not want to work. As CM has started programmes for skill development and entrepreneurship, I will continue this,” he stated.

Shylla also said that he would soon take up with the chief minister on issues relating to employment in the cement factories operating in the East Jaintia Hills district.

“Especially in Jaintia Hills, we have many cement factories. I want to appeal to the government to step in as there are many jobs and opportunities. No doubt they (cement plants) give employment to local youth but only chowkidar, sweepers. However, there are other important posts but our people are not getting it because they are bringing people from outside. Therefore, I will appeal to the government to step in and ensure our local people are given preference for such important posts as well,” he added.

Stating that party is committed to work hard for upcoming MDC elections, Shylla said that his duty as the new state president of the youth wing is to bring to the notice of the people about the good works done by the state government. According to him, fake news on social media has to a great extent overshadowed the achievements of the present government.

Shylla also refused to accept that people have lost faith in the NPP and said this is the narrative spread by those who are from the opposition side.

“From 26 seats, we now have 31. Why would people vote for us if they do not trust us?”

He however said the party needed to look into all allegations and take corrective measures.

“To ensure there is transparency and accountability, we will review implementation of the programmes and schemes at the ground level and to know why despite the government doing so much why such allegations are coming up. We want to know if such schemes are not reaching the people,” he said.

Expressing concern over the drug menace in the state, the youth president said, “We will ensure the DREAM project of the government to fight against the drug menace is fully implemented on the ground.”

Asked, he responded by saying, “If you say that you love the jaidbynriew just by giving lip service, we can also do that. But we do not want to brainwash the people. If we love the jaidbynriew, we would find out ways and means to ensure all round development. But unfortunately, I have seen many love the jaidbynriew without doing anything.”

Read: Meghalaya HC seeks end of NEHU students’ hunger strike amid health concerns

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