Shillong Dec 11: A conglomeration of prominent local NGO’s which includes the Khasi Students Union, the Hynniewtrep National youth front, Maitshaphrang Movement, besides others staged a sit in demo at the IGP parking lot opposite BSNL office to pressurise the state government for the introduction of the strong lokayukta bill at the ongoing winter session of the Assembly which commence on Tuesday.
Altogether nineteen NGO’s from the state staged a sit in demonstration to demand immediate introduction of the strong and effective Lokayukta Bill at the last Assembly session before the onset of a new government, these NGO’s will continue with their demo till the last day of the assembly session which will also be the last session before the house will be dissolved.
Talking to reporters here on Tuesday, convener of Maitshaprang movement, Michael Syiem said, “We would like to pressurise the government to introduce the Lokayukta Bill at the ongoing assembly session”
Syiem also informed that earlier the government had assure to introduce the bill and had also mentioned that it will convene an all party meeting to discuss on the same. “However, that the govt went back on its word and did not convene the all party meet leading the local NGOs to stage a dharna for three days and awaits the cabinet decision” Syiem added.
Further Syiem also stated that the lokayukta Act of 2002 should be repealed and a new law should be in place stating that this act is a very weak law and if they have to amend it they have to amend the whole laws.
Meanwhile, Social activist Angela Rangad said, “ this is the last Assembly session before the state elections after which a new government will come and we will have to start afresh again.” Elaborating more she said,“ Lokayukta Act was introduced in 1968 and after that it was introduce nine times, but nothing happened. We do not want to experience the same fate.”
Expressing anguish over the delay of the government in addressing the issue, she said, “We want the government to act and not mere gestures.”(SP News)
