MLAs meet HM on drug menace

SHILLONG, JUNE 30: Two legislators from Shillong city have sought the intervention of the state home minister HDR Lyngdoh into the alleged inaction of the police against the growing drug menace and anti-social activities.

The joint delegation led by NCP South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai and UDP West Shillong MLA Paul Lyngdoh also expressed the problems faced due to the rise of narcotic trades in areas under their respective constituencies.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Paul said there is complete lack of focus and attention on the part of the police on this issue thereby encouraging such illegalities to thrive and create sense of insecurity among the residents.

According to him, buildings have become hubs of illegal activities not only for drug peddlers but prostitution as well as he slammed the police for turning a blind eye.

“In view of this we have decided to seek the intervention of the home minister to direct the police to step up action so that such illegal activities can be contained,” he said.

Asked, the UDP legislator said beside the need to strengthen the police outpost by providing efficient officers, the joint delegation has demanded the immediately sealing of such buildings.

One such building is located at Trenching ground in Cantonment area under Jhalupara police outpost. According to the delegation, the building known as Cart building is being used by drug peddlers in the name of scrap business.

On the other hand, Shullai said they have also stressed the need to have regular interaction between the police and the local dorbar of the areas for better cooperation and coordination.

Responding to a query, he said that the joint initiative taken up by the two MLAs can be an example for others to follow in combating against such illegal activities especially on drugs issue.

However in view that the area is also having a floating population, the two legislators have also demanded the need to resume the process of registration of residents by the district police.

Meanwhile, they have also lambasted at the failure of the state government to come up with the latest survey on the population of drug users in the state.

“This present government is too weak and it is time that we bring a stronger one,” said Shullai, whose party is a coalition partner in the Congress led Meghalaya United Alliance (MUA-II) government.