SHILLONG: The political atmosphere in Meghalaya remained charged on Wednesday as the long-awaited Expert Committee Report on the State Reservation Policy was officially tabled in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
While the government appeared relieved following the presentation of the report, the Voice of the People Party (VPP) struck a cautious note. Party President and MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit signalled that the party is not ready for celebrations just yet.
Speaking to the media immediately after the session, Basaiawmoit, who had earlier led a hunger strike demanding a review of the decades-old policy, said the VPP would first conduct a thorough examination of the report.
“We acknowledge that the government has listened to our movement by reviewing this policy. However, we need time to dissect this report line by line, clause by clause,” he stated.
Despite welcoming the tabling of the report, the VPP chief refrained from giving any immediate verdict. He stressed that the party’s final position would depend on whether the recommendations reflect the aspirations and expectations of the people, especially the youth.
According to Basaiawmoit, the real test of the report lies in its ability to address long-standing concerns over equity, representation, and opportunities.
Basaiawmoit made it clear that the VPP’s future course of action would be determined by the contents of the document.
He outlined two possible scenarios — If the recommendations align with public demands and ensure a fair future for young people, the VPP is prepared to welcome and support the findings.
Furthermore, he stated that if the report ignores public sentiment or fails to address core issues, the party is ready to launch a fresh round of protests.
“If we find that the report rejects the will of the people, we will start the agitation all over again,” Basaiawmoit warned, adding that the nature and timing of future protests would be announced later.
The tabling of the Expert Committee Report is being viewed as a political milestone for the VPP, following months of sustained pressure through public rallies, protests, and negotiations.
For the party, the issue goes beyond reservation percentages. Basaiawmoit reiterated that the movement is about protecting the future of Meghalaya’s youth and ensuring social justice.
He emphasized that the VPP would remain vigilant until the report is fully analysed and its implications clearly understood.
