Shillong (Meghalaya), Dec 29: Banned militant outfit ,Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) has demanded resignation of Sohra MLA Gavin Mylliemngap, a legislator of the ruling National People’s Party in Meghalaya, after the government decided to shut down the state-run cement manufacturing company in East Khasi Hills district’s Sohra.
HNLC general secretary Sainkupar Nongtraw in statement on Friday said, if the government proceeds with the shutdown of MCC Ltd, it would be appropriate for Sohra MLA to assume responsibility.
“In fact, he should resign from his position as MLA. If he refuses to step down, the HNLC will hold him accountable. Just as you and your government dare to bury MCCL Ltd alive, we will hold you accountable by our own actions. Traitors of the people should be punished with death”, the HNLC in a statement said.
In the statement, HNLC extended an offer to the employees of the MCCL in they were ready to jointheir cause, by providing them with a monthly salary of Rs. 25,000. Eligible individuals should be below 45 years of age and undergo basic military training. If they demonstrate commitment to our cause and ideology, we will consider offering them an attractive salary.
The HNLC said the organisation condemns the ill motive of the government, as it aims to leave the people of Sohra unemployed and subject them to the agenda of vested interests.
“Rather than prioritizing the improvement of MCCL, the government’s intention is to shut it down and instead promote the development of cement factories owned by non-tribals from other states. Unfortunately, this course of action significantly undermines the sentiments of the tribal community”, the statement added.
“This raises serious doubts about the government’s ability to effectively manage the entire state if they cannot even handle the longstanding factory. It is evident that Meghalaya has already been ranked as the second poorest state in India, with the second-lowest per capita income in the country. Soon, there will be an intense competition for land and jobs in Meghalaya between indigenous and non-indigenous populations.The youth will become frustrated and desperate, resulting in a revolt against the government by any means necessary. This revolt will not stem from people losing their desire for freedom, but rather from the harsh reality that they have no food to eat”, the HNLC statement said.
The outfit is currently engaged in tri-partite talks with the central and state governments to discuss laying down arms and joining the mainstream.
The government had recently requested all employees of the firm to consider taking the golden handshake or voluntary retirement scheme, as investments over the past 15 years had not yielded results.
The HNLC statement further stated, “The threat by the Meghalaya government to permanently shut down MCCL is simply a political maneuver. This ill motive of the government aims to leave the people of Sohra unemployed and subject them to the agenda of vested interests.”
The HNLC also accused the state government of promoting the development of cement factories owned by non-tribals from other states.
