300,000 people to attend people's parliament in Meghalaya

Mawphlang, Oct 05 (UNI) Mawphlang, a small village in Meghalaya is all set to host the second People's Parliament outside the ancient scared forest to deliberate on several issues.

The People's Parliament convened by the Khasi Syiems (Chief), Jaintia Dolois (Chieftains) and Nokmas (Clan Chieftains) would deliberate on several issues ranging from constitutional recognition, economic rights to the affect of global warming.

At least, 300,000 people from across the state will attend the parliament. Eminent Gandhian Nirmal Deshpande MP, Trinamool Congress parliamentarian Dinesh Trivedi, renowned economist Arjun Sengupta and among others would also attend the people's session, Mawphlang Headman K.M.Lyngdoh said.

Former US Vice-President Al Gore will be honoured tomorrow in absentia for his untiring campaign against global warming.

''The People's Parliament is considered sacred and divine by the tribal people. It is strictly non-political and proceedings are conducted with great decorum and dignity,'' Rajya Sabha member and Chairman of Rajya Sabha Grassroots Democracy Advisory Council Robert Kharshiing said.

He said People sit together as one rather than divided into ruling and opposition benches and each one speaks according to his or her conscience. ''There will be no party flags. The only flags to be seen were those belonging to different Kingdoms,'' he asserted.

''This is an important event for the people of Meghalaya to discuss on issues concerning us- politically, socially and economically,'' says N K Lyngdoh, the Lyngdoh (Ruler) of Hima (kingdom) Mawphlang.

The traditional head said that most of those who will attend the second People's Parliament would be the poorest people of the State.

''Many villagers will be walking hours just to reach the main road to catch a bus or truck to attend the People's Parliament,'' he said.

Meanwhile, the Rajya Sabha Grassroots Democracy Advisory Council have selected to award well known personalities across the globe, including former US Vice President Al Gore, Major Ahluwalia, Chairman, Indian Spinal Injury Centre (New Delhi), E.Sreedharan, Chairman and MD, Delhi Metro, Ms Nirmal Deshpande, MP and eminent Gandhian, Bhushan Raina, Editor, Business Economics and Dinesh Trivedi, MP.

13 personalities from Meghalaya will also be honoured with People's Parliament Meghalaya Awards. Persons selected for the People's Parliament Meghalaya Awards are Helen Giri, late Babu Onderson Mawrie, Dr Milton Sangma, Advisor Council of Nokmas, Dr Balajied Sing Syiem of Khyrim, SG Momin, retired IPS officer and President Council of Nokmas, late Shrolenson Marbaniang, OB Tariang, Rev RR Cunville, Fr Alfred Marzo, SDB, Sister Helen Albisuri, Campbell Shullai, Tony Marak, IFS and the Lyngdoh of Hima Mawphlang.

UNI