Shillong: Protesters took to the streets near the U Kiang Nangbah statue opposite Shillong Civil Hospital, Meghalaya, voicing their opposition to the mandatory Aadhaar-linking policy for accessing government benefits.
Organised by the Meghalaya chapter of the Awaken India Movement (AIM), the rally called attention to the human rights concerns posed by this initiative.
AIM Meghalaya unit chairman, Banshai Marbaniang, strongly criticised the coercive nature of the policy.
He highlighted instances where individuals, especially from vulnerable communities, were compelled to enrol for Aadhaar to access ration supplies, welfare schemes, and other essential services.
Marbaniang clarified that the movement does not oppose the Aadhaar system itself but defends citizens’ right to choose whether or not to enrol.
He informed that schools are denying scholarships and admissions to students without Aadhaar cards, and families from economically weaker sections are being deprived of ration and basic supplies.
He also accused some institutions of negligence, noting that students without Aadhaar numbers are losing scholarships and access to education.
The rally saw support from North Shillong MLA Adelbert Nongrum, who urged the state government to engage with the Centre on the issue.
He argued that while Aadhaar should remain voluntary for those willing to enrol, it is unjust to impose it on unwilling citizens.
Nongrum encouraged students to demand written explanations from educational authorities when Aadhaar is made a prerequisite for benefits.
Tensions rose when AIM members attempted to march toward the Secretariat to deliver a memorandum to Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
Police intervention led to a brief scuffle, which drew sharp criticism.
However, after discussions with district officials, the protesters were permitted to submit their memorandum to Deputy Commissioner R M Kurbah, as the chief minister was unavailable.
Speaking to the reporters, Marbaniang expressed concerns over the misuse of Aadhaar as a surveillance tool, potentially jeopardizing citizens’ privacy and security.
He also referenced a Supreme Court directive that exempted Assam, Jammu & Kashmir, and Meghalaya from mandatory Aadhaar enrolment, questioning the government’s adherence to this judgment.
