The Meghalaya government's recent constitution of the State Commission for Women sparked off protests and boycott by prominent social activists at the inaugural consultation meeting with state-level NGOs and authorities.
As soon as Chief Minister DD Lapang rose to address the gathering of women NGOs, prominent social activists like Padmashree recipient Quinnie Rynjah, Patricia Mukhim and a host of other members of 'Lympung', an umbrella body of 28 women's organisations of Greater Shillong areas, stood up from their seats displaying placards.
The workers took out a silent processsion at the venue with placards reading, 'No political appointees', 'No commission without consultation', 'We want transparency' and 'Consult the women's movement of Meghalaya', before leaving.
An unfazed Lapang, however, continued with his speech.