SHILLONG: The Voice of the People’s Party (VPP) President, Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has accused the Central Government of systemic neglect and “step-motherly” treatment toward the state of Meghalaya.
Speaking with fiery conviction, Basaiawmoit claimed that the indigenous tribes of the state have been repeatedly denied their constitutional rights and the developmental opportunities they deserve. According to the VPP leader, Meghalaya currently stands at a critical crossroads after squandering three major historical opportunities that could have redefined its future.
Ardent highlighted three specific areas where he believes the state was failed by leadership and overlooked by New Delhi:
The Article 371 Miss: Basaiawmoit lamented that Meghalaya missed the bus on Article 371, a constitutional provision enjoyed by several other North Eastern states.”We lost the chance to be a state under Article 371, which would have granted us true autonomy. It would have ensured that Parliamentary laws regarding our religion, customs, and land rights would not apply without our consent,” he stated.
”We lost the chance to be a state under Article 371, which would have granted us true autonomy. It would have ensured that Parliamentary laws regarding our religion, customs, and land rights would not apply without our consent,” he stated.
The Border Blunder: He pointed to the “negligence” surrounding the merger of Block I and Block II into Mikir Hills in 1951. He argued that the state failed to aggressively demand their return during the creation of the state in 1969, a mistake that continues to haunt Meghalaya’s border security today.
Wasted Natural Wealth: The VPP Chief argued that Meghalaya’s vast mineral wealth and water resources have been mismanaged. He claimed that despite having the potential to be one of India’s wealthiest states, Meghalaya remains economically stunted.
Despite the grim retrospective, Basaiawmoit has called for a “New Revolution” in state politics. He urged the people to rally behind the “one last chance” remaining: the establishment of Clean and Good Governance.
”Clean politics is the only path left to transform Meghalaya into one of the most prosperous states in the country,” he declared, framing the VPP’s mission as a corrective force against decades of administrative failure.
Closing his speech, Basaiawmoit explained that his focus on history is a necessity, not just a reflection. He suggested that the Central Government’s “step-motherly” attitude stems from a fundamental ignorance of Meghalaya’s unique land-tenure systems and cultural identity.
”Perhaps the Government of India does not know our history,” he remarked, “and that is why they continue to treat Meghalaya with such indifference.”
