SHILLONG: Nongkrem MLA and President of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit, has issued a stern warning that if the State Government continues to remain silent and adamant regarding the ongoing agitation by mothers and residents of Laban pyllun, the party will be left with no choice but to take to the streets to oppose the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project.
Expressing grave concern over the government’s indifferent attitude toward the protesters demanding the immediate halting of the project due to the severe threat it poses to local water sources, Basaiawmoit questioned whether responsible citizens could simply remain mute spectators to the government’s actions.
He pointed out that it is widely known that the forest area feeds numerous water sources for the region, particularly for the entire city of Shillong.
Observing the current situation, he noted the government’s rigid stance and asserted that they cannot merely watch from the sidelines and leave this struggle solely on the shoulders of the mothers.
The VPP President further added that if the need arises for them to step forward and lend their support, they will be compelled to do so, as the government is instead attempting to trample upon and intimidate the helpless protesting mothers while trying to forcefully justify the project.
He also accused the elected public representatives—who are meant to be servants of the people—of handling this matter as if it were their personal property, acting as though they can unilaterally decide on any issue without public consent.
Through this, Basaiawmoit reminded them that this is a democratic state, reiterating his party’s stand that nothing good can be achieved if the public does not accept and approve of it.
At the same time, he stated that the time will come when, if the government’s attempts to suppress the protesters and push forward with the project persist, they will have no option but to hit the streets.
He cautioned that when that time comes, they should not be accused of taking undue advantage or playing politics, as they cannot simply watch and remain silent in the face of the government’s high-handedness.
It is pertinent to mention here that the JAC Against Shillong Peak Ropeway Project has been staging a sit-in demonstration near the statue of Kiang Nongbah, close to Civil Hospital, Shillong, since November 6, 2026, demanding that the government scrap the project from Lum Shyllong.
(4FrontMedia news)
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