Thousands of supporters of the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) took to the streets of Shillong in a major protest against the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, alleging that public concerns and issues affecting indigenous communities have been ignored.
The rally, attended by around 3,000 people, began from IGP and passed through areas near the Secretariat before moving towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where it concluded peacefully. A heavy security presence was maintained throughout the march.
Addressing the gathering, VPP president and Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit said the party was forced to organise the protest after repeatedly failing to get adequate opportunities to raise public issues in the Assembly. He said a responsible government must listen to citizens and engage with opposition voices.
Basaiawmoit also criticised the handling of the public hearing for the proposed Shree Cement project, alleging that people opposing the project were not given a fair opportunity to participate. He demanded that the hearing process be declared invalid, stating that all sides should have been heard before any decision is taken.
The VPP leader said the party would continue to raise issues concerning public interest and indigenous communities. The protest highlighted growing political disagreements between the opposition party and the ruling alliance over governance, public participation and development-related decisions in Meghalaya.