SHILLONG, AUG 22: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) on Friday slammed the NPP-BJP government for failing to anticipate unrest and prevent escalation of the situation in Shillong and along the Meghalaya-Assam border.
While condemning all forms of violence and intimidation, the MPCC said the government cannot escape accountability.
“The people of Meghalaya are paying the price for an administration that has repeatedly substituted public relations and lip service for serious governance,” the MPCC said in a statement.
It said despite intelligence inputs and administrative machinery, the government failed to act with preparedness.As a result, travellers feel unsafe, tourist bookings stand cancelled hitting hotels, homestays, taxis and restaurants, and supply of medicines and essential goods has been disrupted, affecting patients and hospitals, the party said.
“It takes years to build confidence among tourists and investors, but only a few incidents and an incompetent response to destroy it,” the MPCC said.
On the interstate border, it said sensitive matters need mature leadership and continuous dialogue and should not escalate due to negligence.
Accusing the government of covering governance failures with announcements, the MPCC said allegations of corruption and lack of transparency have eroded public trust.
The Congress asserted, “No political demand or protest can justify attacks on innocent citizens or destruction of property.”
However, it added, “Maintaining law and order is the fundamental responsibility of the government. It cannot simply condemn incidents after they occur. Its job is to anticipate, prevent and protect.”
The MPCC demanded immediate steps to restore confidence, ensure security of tourists and travellers, ensure uninterrupted supply of medicines and essentials, and engage all stakeholders to defuse the border tension.
By Our Reporter
