SHILLONG, NOV 25: The opposition Congress on Friday demanded chief minister Conrad K Sangma and his council of ministers to resign to pave the way for a new government which is committed to protect the citizens of the state especially those residing along the inter-state border with Assam.
The demand was made during a condolence meeting and candlelight vigil held at Congress Bhavan to pay respect to the five villagers, who were killed in a firing by Assam police at Mukroh village in West Jaintia Hills District and expressed solidarity with the bereaved families.
Addressing media persons, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) working president Pynshngain N Syiem said, “We have unanimously resolved to demand the chief minister and his council of ministers to take responsibility by resigning and let others who can lead the MDA government and take decision to protect the people along the inter-state border with Assam.”
He however ruled out that the situation warrant for imposition of President’s Rule and said election is only two-three months away and his party would prefer to wait for the announcement of the Election Commission of India.
Syiem, who is also opposition leader in the KHADC, said that the party will also send condolence messages to all the bereaved families, who have lost their loved ones and breadwinners in this unfortunate incident.
“We also demand the state government to appoint one member from each of the families of the victims in government jobs,” he said.
Demanding the immediate lifting of the internet ban, the Congress working president said, “The state government should also immediately announce the numbers of police outposts to be set up along the inter-state border so that people will not face any problem.”
Welcoming the Centre’s decision to institute a CBI probe into the Mukroh firing incident, Syiem however said, “I will also be very happy if the CM and council of ministers also asked the union home minister to demand CBI inquiry into the other issues that the people are very much expected which include the illegal coal transportation.”
He also alleged that the Conrad K Sangma-led government is too weak and that is why the Assam government continues to harass and kill our people residing in the border areas.
When asked if the ongoing border talks should be suspended, Syiem said, “What is the use of border talks if our people are killed within the territory of the state? Therefore the border talks have no meaning at all. The state government should immediately set up border outposts in all strategic locations with Assam.”
Not agreeing with the suggestion to arm the village defence party (VDP), the Congress leader said, “Why should the untrained persons handle guns, it would be very difficult for them. It is for the state government to send the police forces to all border areas and not use people as their shield for the state.”
Further commenting on the violent incident during a candlelight vigil held in Shillong on Thursday, Syiem said violence is not the solution.
“We should agitate through other forms of agitation to create problems against the government especially the cabinet ministers who could not protect the lives of our people but violence will not be a solution but the only thing is that we should demand that a new government should be installed. That is very important. Why should we create violence?” he said.
He said in fact the council of ministers should have taken a decision by taking action against the failure of the police department “but it seems because it is not the failure of the police department, it is the failure of the government to guide the police and home department.”
Syiem further slammed the Assam police for alleging that the villagers were smuggling timber.
“In fact these people are not involved in illegal timber smuggling as they are farmers. That is why saying that they are smugglers is only the tactic of the Assam police to create confusion in the minds of the people,” he added.
By Our Reporter
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