๐๐๐ง๐ข ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ฐ๐ถ๐๐ฒ๐ ๐ฃ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฒ ๐ง๐๐ป๐๐ผ๐ป๐ด,๐ ๐ฒ๐ด๐ต๐ฎ๐น๐ฎ๐๐ฎ ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐๐ ๐ถ๐ป๐พ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐ ๐ฎ๐ “๐ฐ๐ผ๐บ๐บ๐๐ป๐ฎ๐น.”
The Hynniewtrep Integrated Territorial Organisation (HITO) has strongly criticized the Meghalaya government, calling out Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for dismissing questions about a potential switch in the Chief Ministerโs post as โcommunal.โ
HITO stated that such remarks are misleading and an insult to the people of Meghalaya, emphasizing that their concerns are rooted in fairness, balance, and inclusivity.
HITO highlighted that if principles of equity can lead to the stepping aside of eight ministers in a recent Cabinet reshuffle, the same principle should apply to the Chief Ministerโs position.
The organisation questioned whether the Deputy Chief Minister implied that Khasi-Jaiรฑtia leaders would be incapable of fostering development, citing past Chief Ministers like B.B. Lyngdoh and D.D. Lapang as examples of Khasi leaders who brought progress to the state despite limited resources.
The organisation also condemned the absence of women in the current Cabinet, calling it shameful in a matrilineal state like Meghalaya. HITO noted that capable women leaders, including Dr. Ampareen Lyngdoh, have been overlooked, undermining the principles of representation and inclusivity.
HITO further criticized the governmentโs handling of key sectors. The much-publicized DREAM project has reportedly failed to address substance abuse in Shillong and rural areas, with drug peddlers operating openly even near Shillong Civil Hospital. The organisation compared this with successful infrastructure initiatives in neighbouring Assam, questioning why similar facilities for students or rehabilitation centres for youth struggling with addiction have not been established in Meghalaya.
The organisation also highlighted deficiencies in the health sector, citing inadequate coverage under the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme (MHIS), lack of functional trauma units, and underutilized medical facilities due to shortages of staff and equipment. HITO pointed to systemic failures in law enforcement, including widespread violations of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) 2003 near schools and hospitals.
