Anti-Aadhaar protesters held a public rally near the U Kiang Nangbah opposite Shillong Civil Hospital to oppose the government’s decision to push for mandatory Aadhaar-linking to access various government benefits. Later, a minor scuffle also ensued between protesters and police personnel, drawing criticisms. The government has however distanced itself from the matter of mandatory Aadhaar-linking, leaving accountability to the Centre.
The Meghalaya unit of the Awaken India Movement (AIM) on Wednesday held a public rally near the statue of U Kiang Nangbah opposite Shillong Civil Hospital to oppose the government’s decision to push for mandatory Aadhaar-linking to access various government benefits. Speaking during the public rally, AIM Meghalaya unit chairman Banshai Marbaniang said the principles of human rights prohibit the government from coercing individuals into obtaining an Aadhaar card by threatening to withhold essential benefits.
He pointed to several cases where people have been forced to obtain Aadhaar in areas experiencing shortages of ration supplies, welfare schemes, and essential services. He clarified that the movement is not against the Aadhaar system but advocates for citizens’ right to choose whether or not to enrol.