Ngos to boycott polls

NONGSTOIN, MAR 31: The West Khasi hills district ngos said they are going ahead with their decision to boycott the ensuing Lok Sabha elections slated on April 9 as a mark of protest against government’s failure to provide better road connectivity in the region.

The three ngos– Western Youth Welfare Council (WYWC), Nongtre Lyngngam Achik Youth Federation (NLAYF) and Federation of Khasi Jaintia & Garo People (FKJGP) Maweit circle- from Maweit area have taken this stand despite the warning issued by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Meghalaya.

“We have decided to protest like we have done in the last district council elections till our demands for better road connectivity is achieved,” WYWC president Ioanis Diengngan said on Monday.

Stating that they do not have the power to bar voters from exercising their franchise, NLAYF vice president Johncameo Umiong said we only put forth our appeal to the public for their support and cooperation on this issue.

According to him, the rural areas have been totally neglected by the state government in term of various developments especially roads.

“Even after 42 years of statehood, the region still lagging behind. Better road which is the backbone of any economic development is the fundamental right of the citizen and the duty of the state government to provide,” he added.

Castigating the warning issued by the CEO to get the members of the agitating groups arrested, FKJGP president A Umiong said the state government is only targeting ngos who are protesting in a peaceful manner even as the government has failed to take a tough stand against militant groups who have caused so much troubles in Garo Hills region.- By Our Reporter

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