FKJGP to launch anti-government campaign in Meghalaya

Shillong, Jan 28 (UNI) An organisation would launch a campaign to highlight the corrupt activities of the ruling Congress-led Meghalaya Democratic Alliance government.

The proposed campaign assumed significance in view of the state government gearing up for the Assembly polls scheduled on March 3.

The counting will be held on March 7.

The Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) which claimed to fight against corruption will kick-off its series of anti-government campaign from Chief Minister DD Lapang's constituency Nongpoh on February 2.

''Our aim is mainly to make people aware of the need to vote against legislators involved in the controversial handing of power projects to private companies,'' FKJGP General Secretary Joe Marwien told UNI here.

A fortnight ago, the state cabinet was forced to keep in abeyance the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed between the state government and six power companies after several NGOs protested the decision to rope in private companies or developing state's power projects.

The government had constituted an official committee to examine '' in depth merits and demerits'' of the MOAs.

The FKJGP had earlier protested the Cabinet decision and demanded that the deals be scrapped immediately.

Under the MOA signed, the state entered into a joint venture to develop power projects, with Jaypee Group, Dharampal Satyapal Group, ETA Star infrastructure Limited, Athena Project Private Limited, Seven Sisters Energy Limited and SEW Energy Limited, without going for International Competitive Bidding (ICB).

The projects are Kynshi Stage-I, Kynshi Stage-II, Umngot, Leshka Stage-II, Umiew and Simsang Basin.

Mr Marwien said the federation would hold similar campaigns in all district headquarters of the state.

'' We are not supporting any political party or any individual.

Our strategy is to make the public aware to choose a candidate, who have a vision for the development of the state,'' the FKJGP leader added.

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