VPP Plans Peaceful March to Secretariat on August 6 to Address Public Concerns

Shillong, India Aug 1, 2026 ALN: Shillong July 31: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) is set to march to the Secretariat on August 6 to address various pressing issues. VPP President Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit announced that the march will be peaceful, aimed at reminding the state government of the public's growing frustration.

The march will focus on the crisis surrounding small-scale coal mining, which has significantly impacted families reliant on this industry. Basaiawmoit emphasized that the party's intention is not to confront the government but to reflect the mounting frustration among the populace. This sentiment is particularly poignant in the context of , where coal mining has been a critical economic activity for many communities for generations.

“Our intention is not to create any law and order problem. We are going to have a peaceful march. We are not saying we are going to storm the main secretariat. There is a difference between storming and marching peacefully towards the secretariat,” he stated. This clarification underscores the VPP's commitment to non-violent protest, a strategy that has been employed by various political movements across India to draw attention to issues without inciting violence.

Basaiawmoit expressed a desire for Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to be present on the day of the march, allowing him to witness the number of participants firsthand. The presence of the Chief Minister could serve as a crucial opportunity for dialogue, and the VPP hopes that the scale of the march will compel the government to take the concerns of the citizens seriously. He urged citizens affected by government policies to join the march and warned that the VPP would not be responsible for any disruptions caused by individuals attempting to derail the event. This statement highlights the VPP's leadership role in the protest and its commitment to maintaining order during the demonstration.

The primary demand of the VPP will be related to coal mining. Basaiawmoit pointed out that families who have depended on coal for generations have been left in distress since mining activities were halted. The ban on coal mining, implemented due to environmental concerns and legal challenges, has led to significant economic hardship for many families in . Critics of the ban argue that it disproportionately affects small-scale miners and their families, who rely on this income for their livelihoods. He criticized the government for failing to fulfill its promises regarding coal mining, emphasizing that the lack of support for small-scale miners has exacerbated poverty in the region.

“Since the ban came, these poor people have been badly affected. What we are demanding is that the government allow the small-scale miners to work in coal mining, but with conditions. Especially the small coal miners and small coal traders are affected,” he added. The call for regulated coal mining reflects a broader debate in India regarding the balance between economic development and environmental sustainability, a topic that has gained prominence in recent years as communities grapple with the impacts of resource extraction.

He accused the government of maintaining a double standard, where small operators are excluded while large-scale mining operations are facilitated. This pattern, he noted, is also evident in stone quarrying, where manual workers are sidelined in favor of wealthy contractors. The perception of inequity in resource management has fueled discontent among local communities, who feel marginalized and voiceless in the decision-making processes that affect their lives.

Additionally, the VPP will demand an immediate halt to coke and cement plants, which they argue harm the environment and benefit only a select few. The environmental implications of such industrial activities are a significant concern for many residents, who have witnessed the degradation of local ecosystems and the adverse health effects associated with pollution.

The march will also address other significant concerns. Basaiawmoit highlighted the struggles of teachers who are juggling MTET preparations alongside special intensive revision duties and other assignments. The education sector in has faced numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, lack of resources, and the pressures placed on educators. Teachers have expressed concerns about their workload and the impact it has on their ability to provide quality education to students. The VPP's support for teachers underscores the party's commitment to addressing the needs of various stakeholders in society.

The party will oppose the reappointment of retired officials and advocate for stronger protections of community land, raid land, and hima land, particularly in border villages like Lapangap and Mawsikar, which are facing encroachments. Land rights are a contentious issue in many parts of India, where indigenous communities often find themselves at odds with state policies that prioritize commercial interests over traditional land use. The VPP's stance on land protection reflects a growing recognition of the need to safeguard local rights and ensure that communities have a say in the management of their resources.

Basaiawmoit criticized the government's current approach, stating it demonstrates a disregard for both the people and the environment. “When we see these acts of oppression, the way the government is moving forward shows that the government does not care about our feelings,” he remarked. “The government must be accountable and must be made responsible for whatever action they are taking.” This call for accountability resonates with a broader demand for transparency and responsiveness from government officials, particularly in regions where citizens feel their needs are being overlooked.

The August 6 march aims to send a strong message that the government cannot continue to act arbitrarily, and Basaiawmoit expressed hope that it would prompt a serious and positive response from the administration. The mobilization of citizens around these issues reflects a growing trend in Indian politics where local communities are increasingly asserting their rights and demanding that their voices be heard in the political arena. As the march approaches, the VPP's ability to galvanize support and maintain a peaceful demonstration will be critical in shaping the outcome of their demands and the future of governance in .