Shillong, Jymmang 30: The General Body of the Meghalaya Linguistic Minority Development Forum (MLMDF) adopted its constitution in the presence of Lok Sabha Member from Silchar Dr. Rajdip Roy and Shiladitya Deb, Chairman Assam Linguistic Minority Development Board in a meeting held in Jhalupara, Shillong on Sunday.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Roy recounted his long associations with Shillong and stressed on the need for peaceful co-existence of the communities. He further said that while the linguistic minorities have been performing their constitutional duties, their rights shall have to be protected.
He also encouraged MLMDF to foster goodwill among the majority communities apart from working towards the protection of the minority rights. He further said that it is time for the linguistic minority communities to engage with the government through the constitutional means on the issues of their livelihood, dignity and culture.
In his address, Mr. Shiladitya Deb pointed out that the population of the linguistic minority communities is in no position to influence the electoral outcomes in the state. However, Mr. Deb asserted that in spite of the small population, people have their rights to live with dignity.
Mr. Deb too stressed on the importance of the peaceful environment and advised MLMDF to work towards creating an environment of brotherhood in the state.
The meeting was presided over by Mr. Sushit Kanti Choudhury. Mr. Raktimava Swamy, President Live and Let Live had also attended the meeting. The meeting apart from other decisions, also concurred upon a decision to present a charter of demands to the state government to urgently form the Meghalaya Minority Development Board in the lines of a similar body already formed in Assam.
