I grew up in a village on the outskirts of Nongstoiñ town of West Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya. In all its fullness, I am blessed to have had the best experiences with family and community life and living in harmony with nature. Though I hardly move around, I have these memories of events of the time spent there that are still part of my everyday, yet minimal recollections. On one such instance, I recall being at the Town market with my mom (mei) when a group of jubilant people who assembled at the madan Tiehjyrsieh joyously erupted and stormed the streets shouting- "Puk puk, ha U Sing" . They carried with them placards and slogans. I was enthralled!

Later, I was made to realize that it was a victory rally of the Hill State People's Democratic Party (HSPDP) winning the State Legislative Assembly Election during that year, one of the many undefeated elections then.

When India gained its independence on the 15th August 1947, after hundreds of years of being under the British rule, the tri-color majestically unfurled and the dreams of freedom fighters saw a "ray of hope". The ideologies of our forefathers, the rights that they fought for and their dreams for a better and free India; finally took wings. The country transformed and still grow as a democracy.

The Constitution of India, comprehensively prepared by the Drafting Committee, paved way for the formation of Political Parties- Regional and National. It allows for any adult to contest in Elections and most importantly, the Universal Adult Suffrage- a right reserved for a handful elite community, was made universal. These are a few among many other provisions which were non-existent during the British Regime that are enshrined in the Constitution for the welfare of the Citizens of India.

Ever since, elections in the country are a massive and exhaustive exercise. Many parties formed over the years with different ideologies and manifestoes, some fulfilled and many wanting. Similarly, many leaders were born- selfless and the likes.

On my recent visit home, a few mementoes I saw, joggled up my mind and reminded me of this childhood incident. Now, I'm intrigued. More so because pahep Hopingstone Lyngdoh fondly called "Maieit" by many was the Founder President of the HSPDP and my dad (pa), well, he's an ardent follower, a Volunteer and a Hill State Fighter.

When the APHLC, a party committed to carve Meghalaya as a full-fledged State agreed to the offer of a sub-State, Pahep move out of it. Dejected at the lack of support, he was on the verge of giving up, but for a handful of Statesmen and friends who stood by him not allowing him to quit. They reorganized themselves under the umbrella of the Hill State Volunteer Adhoc Committee drawing Volunteers across the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo regions. The Committee was renamed as the HSPDP and was officially formed in 1968. Its prime objective was to fight for a full-fledged State. More than 200 Volunteers joined the party and they were trained for "Direct Action" if diplomacy was unyielding. True to his words and honoring the voice of the fellow volunteers, his struggles remain unchanged i.e. for Meghalaya to attain Statehood.

They displayed their wisdom through negotiations and their strength through actions in many ways. Their black flags overshadowed others during the visit of the then Prime Minister, Smti. Indira Gandhi to Meghalaya in 1970. They marched into the Assam Assembly to voice out their concerns and gheraoed the District Council office to express dissatisfaction over the decision of a sub-State. Their slogan was, "No Hill State, No rest. No Hill State, Direct Action". Many Volunteers were arrested and jailed for this cause. However, their voices were not unheard and the then PM met with 14 leaders of the party in Guwahati with an assurance that their demands will be fulfilled. What a show of STRENGTH! What UNITY! They championed the cause, a just cause.

Those assurances were not mere words, for on the 21st January 1972, Meghalaya was born a State.

After attaining Statehood, the party soared and won many seats in the State Legislative Assembly and the Autonomous District Council elections for many terms. With its main objective being met, one might ask, what else it stood for and does still now?

As I read through the Souvenir released during the Golden Jubilee celebration of the party in 2018, I observed that there are highly relevant yet unrealized dreams viz.,

  1. A demand for the implementation of ILP and Citizenship Act
  2. To resolve the border issues and encroachment of land by neighboring States and Country (this is still a bone of contention)

To those who know me well, you might wonder, why this piece?

Yes, I am apolitical, I do not shy away from it, and I'm unshaken. For me, work will always be work, services will continue to be services, no matter who governs. However, watching my dad work tirelessly and looking at the accolades, the outpour of appreciation on the services he rendered; it made me stop to admire his contribution towards the fight. These were developments so close to home, something to hold in high regards. I dare not disregard.

As we prepare for the general elections this year, I could not help but reflect- Aren't these unfulfilled objectives in resonance with the voice of the NGOs and pressure groups as they throng the streets of Shillong from time to time? Well, if that is what they genuinely fight for. Aren't our youths shouting slogans in a similar expression? Are these not the battle-cry of most political parties? A promise made in sincerity to the people of the State? A cause that makes our heart beat harder and our voice grow louder with so much love for ka Ri ka Jaitbynriew?

"No ILP, no rest!"

"Resolve border issues!"

These and an innumerable pragmatic impediments loom large in the society and they surely need steady minds and determined hearts to lead us all through, for a deserving future.

So, what are we waiting for? Crossing all political boundaries, let this be a wakeup call to each one of us. We fight the same battle, we continue to face the same unresolved issues, and we are celebrating 50 years of Statehood in an unaccomplished demeanor. Isn't it time to STAND IN THE GAP? Leave all our selfish desires, embrace the truth and dare to stand for a rightful cause? Even if you stand alone!

There are still a lot of Sing out there anxious, restless and ready to make a mark on their paths and to pave a way for a better tomorrow. Let your footsteps resound with the genuine need of the land. No matter what Pride you belong to- listen to the Voice, find your Pride, Unite and proudly say-

Puk puk, Ha ka Hok bad ka Jingshisha! (in Truth and Honesty)