Correspondent
Massive Support Grows for ACHIK Movement's Hunger Strike in Meghalaya's Garo Hills.
Numerous organizations, such as AAYF, NIKSAMSO, ASWA, TGCSU, and senior citizens represented by the New Tura Development Forum (NTDF), have joined the protest. The BJP Mahila Morcha has also lent its support to the movement.
Rakkhi Sangma, the morcha president, stressed that this issue is not political but rather about fulfilling the rightful demands of the community. She called for correcting the historical neglect of Tura as a winter capital, as envisioned by the state's founders. The hunger strikers demand the retrospective implementation of the Roster system to address the deprivation faced for the past five decades.
Importantly, the protesters clarified that their aim is not to remove individuals already employed through the Reservation System but to progressively rectify past mistakes. Despite being on a hunger strike for seven days, they expressed disappointment at the lack of attention from both the district administration and the government.
Deputy Commissioner Jagdish Chelani attempted to mediate and promised that the Chief Minister is aware of their situation. However, due to prior commitments, the CM couldn't visit them in person but was open to meeting them in Shillong. The protesters, however, insisted on assurances directly from the Chief Minister before ending their strike.
As the hunger strike continues, concerns arise about the protesters' health and well-being. They are determined to persist until their demands are acknowledged and addressed by the Chief Minister. The tension remains high, urging the government to engage in dialogue and find a resolution to the growing unrest in Garo Hills.