SHILLONG:
The United Hynniewtrep Movement (UHM) has demanded that the government close down coke factories in the state and will meet the Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma, to apprise him of the matter.
Speaking to The Meghalayan, UHM president Charlie Rani said, “We are against coke factories. We will give it in writing to the chief minister and forward a copy to the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The coke factories in West Khasi Hills, East Jaintia Hills need to be closed down.”
The UHM had a general executive council meeting on Saturday where leaders of different units were in attendance.
He went on to say that the mushrooming of coke factories indicates the presence of illegal coal mining.
He further said that the environment cell of the group alleged illegal boulder/stone mining at Rani Jirang, Ri Bhoi.
He claimed, “There has been blasting and this will affect the environment.”
In this connection, the president of UHM said that the group will apprise the NGT on the matter as well.
Roster system
The group has also extended its support to Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on the reassessment of the roster system, and reiterated the demand for a Khasi state which formed part of the group’s constitution.
Rani criticised the Garo groups that condemned Basaiawmoit’s statement on the roster system, maintaining that reservation should benefit the Khasi-Jaintia community, who form the majority of Meghalaya, more.
Education
Rani said that the education cell of the group will also meet the Education minister, Rakkam Sangma, to discuss the education policy.
He expressed concern that the fee structure in private schools is exorbitant and is way beyond the reach of poor families, and stressed on the implementation of the Right to Education Act in schools.