SHILLONG:
BJP leader and Tura MDC Bernard N. Marak said on Friday that the 80% reservation for the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia is a unique structure that should not be disturbed.
“It has brought balance to the three communities for over 50 years, and disturbing it might bring about catastrophic loss to the three communities if cons are not foreseen by the leaders. The legal aspect should be made known to every member of the three communities, as the slightest change could lead to losing 30% of the present 80% we enjoy today,” Marak said in a statement.
Urging the Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia to stand united to preserve the 80% reservation structure in the interest of the youths of the three communities, the MDC said, “We can work out the differences internally and peacefully.”
He also asserted that the Garos are not demanding more but there has been lapses in the past which we want it to be justified.
Meanwhile, the BJP leader further warned that the tension in the state over the issue might break unity and disrupt peace.
His statement also came a day after the state government constituted an expert committee to review the job reservation policy following an indefinite hunger strike staged by VPP chief Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit.