SHILLONG: In a significant demonstration of public discontent, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) organized a massive peaceful rally in the state capital on Thursday, marching from IGP Mawbynna to surround the Secretariat complex.
Led by top party leadership, elected MLAs, and MDCs, an estimated 3,000 citizens participated, prompting local law enforcement to deploy heavy security and increase vigilance along the demonstration route.
Speaking to reporters after the peaceful dispersal of the crowd, VPP President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit expressed strong dissatisfaction with the government’s management of key state issues repeatedly raised by the party. Basaiawmoit explained that supporters were asked to disperse peacefully after the rally to observe whether the administration would now take concrete action on public grievances.
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Addressing the decision not to submit a formal memorandum, Basaiawmoit revealed that previous petitions had been systematically ignored by the administration, which failed to provide written responses or hold formal discussions with the opposition. He emphasized that the government is already well aware of the grievances, and additional written appeals would serve no practical purpose.
Basaiawmoit expressed gratitude for the substantial turnout on a regular working day, interpreting it as clear evidence of rising public frustration with official inaction. He also criticized the government’s handling of Legislative Assembly debates, alleging that ruling party members are granted disproportionate speaking time while opposition legislators are heavily restricted.
He reiterated that VPP leaders are prepared for constructive, fact-based debates if given adequate time during assembly sessions.
Reaffirming the party’s commitment to non-violent agitation, Basaiawmoit noted that all participants were instructed to maintain order and avoid public disruption. He concluded by placing full responsibility on the administration to address citizens’ grievances, accusing the government of sidelining elected opposition leaders and attempting to misinform the public rather than building trust through transparency.
(4FrontMedia news)
