𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 r𝗲𝗮𝗹 s𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗴𝗴𝗹𝗲 i𝘀 a𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 b𝗶𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 r𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 p𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝘀

The plight of non-tribals is a testament to a systemic issue that has long been ingrained in society. Oppression of the oppressed is not just a state of mind but a reality that manifests through the conditioning process over the years. The non-tribal population faces unchecked injustices due to a glaring lack of representation. This situation is exacerbated by a reservation policy in the state assembly that leaves little room for minority voices to be heard. With 55 out of 60 seats reserved, the imbalance is not just alarming but borders on the absurd.

Let’s look at the ground reality: Only two non-tribal MLAs from Phulbari and Rajabala stand against a majority of 58 tribal MLAs. This disproportionate representation raises the question of whether the concerns of non-tribals will ever gain the acknowledgement they deserve. Furthermore, these two representatives do not hail from Shillong constituencies, which means the welfare of non-tribal communities in the city is not their primary focus.

In Shillong, the few unreserved seats, which number only 2-3, do not even consider nominations from non-tribals, leaving the community voiceless. The authorities seem to only listen to those in power, a pattern that is all too familiar across the country, where the marginalization of minorities by government agencies is a visible trend.

The community perceives robust protests and demonstrations as a significant step towards addressing this issue, driven by the rationale that there was no protector before, there isn’t one now, and it seems unlikely there will be one in the future. The community must take a stand to protect itself, as hollow reassurances have lost their soothing effect.

The discourse will eventually shift towards a demand for 100% reservation of assembly seats, a move that could mark the final phase of the non-tribal community’s erosion in Shillong.

Despite this, sorrow and the call for change resonate through social media posts, a modern-day outlet for the unheard voices seeking justice and equality.

But will anything change?