TURA:
Leaders of the ACHIK, a social organisation from Garo Hills, that is spearheading the hunger strike over the demand for a winter capital for Tura and the retrospective implementation of the roster system, have expressed their satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) in Tura on July 24 evening.
They are, however, undecided about their next plan of action. When asked whether they would call off the hunger strike, ACHIK leader Laben Ch Marak said, they had actually planned to hold similar strikes at Williamnagar and Baghmara but the unruly behaviour of the crowd at the protesting venue compelled them to rethink their plan.
“We are here not to act as rambos nor are we on a suicidal mission; we are here for a peaceful strike, looking for a sensible solution and trying to project the sentiment of our people but with such anti-social elements engaging (in our affairs), it has made us afraid. If we call off our hunger strike, people will be angry and if we stay here also, there is an issue about our security. We will take a call later (whether or not to continue with the strike,” Marak said.
Meanwhile, the chief minister has invited the agitating groups for discussion in the presence of all stakeholders in Shillong, tentatively on August 8 or 9.
“We know he (CM) can’t declare here outrightly. The matter will be taken up in the cabinet as he said that it is not a single decision. The entire cabinet and legislature have to take a call. Now, it will depend on how we pitch; but he assured us that he will do whatever he can,” the ACHIK leader added.
It may be mentioned that a commotion broke out at the protesting venue while the meeting was still going on, leading to stone pelting and torching of vehicles and injuring at least five police personnel, including women police.
The agitation is still continuing, till the filing of this report and the chief minister is still at CMO Tura to oversee the situation.