SHILLONG: In a move against what they perceive as government’s failure, the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) announced plans for a sit-in demonstration scheduled to commence tomorrow.
The protest is a direct response to the Conrad K Sangma-led MDA-II government’s alleged reluctance to reinstate officials removed from the Meghalaya Lokayukta.
Dr. Batskhem Myrboh, spokesperson for the VPP, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of response to their demands.
“The sit-in demonstration is slated to take place in front of the Meghalaya Secretariat during office hours, from 10 am to 4:30 pm, starting on January 19,” a statement from the party said.
Myrboh further highlighted that if the government does not meet their demands, the demonstration will resume on Monday, January 22.
Myrboh argued that the termination of the officials’ services not only constitutes an “injustice and insult” to them but also reflects poorly on the entire state.
In response to the planned demonstration, the VPP issued an appeal, urging participants to refrain from actions that violate the law, disrupt peace, or disturb public order.
This development follows Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong’s statement on January 17, urging the VPP to familiarise themselves with the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act before demanding the reinstatement of the removed officials.
Tynsong, while speaking to the press on Wednesday, challenged the VPP to understand the Act thoroughly before raising complaints.
The controversy began when the Meghalaya government removed three Lokayukta officials, including Director of Inquiry and Prosecution Jainal Rymmai and two enquiry officers – Rymphang Pde and Anil K. Sangma.
Allegations surfaced that their removal was linked to their investigations into a Rs 6.01 crore scam in the construction of the MDC Hostel in Tura, the charge sheet of sitting NPP MLA Sanjay Sangma, who is related to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, and several MDCs.
