The Shalom Meghalaya peace campaign reached trouble torn Chokpot

Tura, Aug 23: The Shalom Meghalaya peace campaign today reached
trouble torn Chokpot in South Garo Hills. About 5000 people witnessed
the programme and spoke their hearts out venting anger against rising
insurgency.
Chokpot is a militancy hit area in Garo hills. It has seen many
untoward incidents of violence, killing and abduction. In June this
year, a 35-year-old woman’s head was blown off in presence of her four
minor children and husband.
A strong contingent of motorist accompanied the peace caravan from
Somenpara in South West Garo Hills to Chokpot yesterday. At Chokpot
they halted for the night and began their campaign this morning.
Torrential rains, bad road and broken bridge at Dekku near Chokpot
failed to dither the spirit of the peace messengers.
“In the last one week, the campaign has reached about 50,000 people
with the silent and invisible message of peace. People who could never
ever speak and express their anger were given an opportunity to speak
out”, said Fr. Sunny Mavelil, director of Bakdil, who is associated
with the campaign.
“The situation is beyond our tolerance. Insurgency has brought a bad
name for us. We are peace loving people. We urge the militants to stop
their barbaric act”, said Cherak Marak, a youth participant.
In the last three months, Garo hills have witnessed a peak in
insurgency activities, where kidnapping has become a daily affair.
“Huge response to the campaign demonstrates that people of Garo hills
cannot take the situation for granted anymore”, Mavelil added.
The campaign was flagged off on August 17 at Tura and has passed
through several places in South West Garo Hills including, Garobadha,
Ampati, Purakashia, Nogorpara, Rimrangpara and Gambegre.
“Militancy has affected the lives of the people leading to a state of
underdevelopment, a sense of helplessness and insecurity. As prophets
living in the midst of the struggles of our people, we have reflected
and realised the need for ensuring peace. Shalom Meghalaya envisages
to be the messengers of peace, welfare and prosperity”, said a booklet
titled “I Want Peace”.
“We have gathered to pray and pledge for peace”, said Balsrang Marak,
an elderly, who took part in the campaign at Chokpot today.
Different speakers cutting across communities spoke at length on the
need to protect the fundamentals of social systems including good
parenting of children.
Many also spoke for improving the primary education system, where
teachers are found to be absent. “Teachers can play a very important
role in guiding the youths. They should mould our children in the best
possible way, so that they are not misguided to join insurgent
outfits”, said a speaker.
The gathering also called upon the government and public leaders to
conduct themselves as responsible citizens of the land. “At this time
of trouble, the politicians should not fish in muddy waters of Garo
hills. They should unite and work together to bring about a change”,
said another speaker.(SP News)