Regional parties not against MoU:CM

SHILLONG, APR 27: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday said the regional parties have not demanded revisiting of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Meghalaya and Assam for resolving the dispute in 6 of 12 areas of difference.

Speaking to reporters, Sangma said the regional parties, who are part of the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, have not demanded as such but individuals within the parties who have made those statements for revisiting the MoU.

“The parties as such have not given me anything in writing or discussed any matter that they don’t agree with (with the MoU),” he said.

“I have been in touch with all the leaderships of the coalition partners and they have expressed concerns but in term of the solution…they are all with us, we are all part of the decision – there is no question of having any kind of doubts but certain individuals in the regional parties are raising concerns and we are ready to explain all those aspects (to them),” Sangma assured.

The chief minister further reminded that the MoU was signed in the presence of two ministers from the United Democratic Party (UDP), one minister from the People’s Democratic Front (PDF) and one from the Hill State People’s Democratic Party (HSPDP).

“They (regional parties) have all been part of the regional committees. Therefore, they have obviously been discussed at their party level,” he said, adding they have not expressed any opposition to the MoU.

When asked, Sangma said he always respects dissent or any kind of concerns and it is his duty and the government’s duty to address these concerns. He also assured, “Even in the case of the UDP or the PDF, if there are any concerns, they can always discuss the matter with me and I will be happy to explain these aspects to them.”

“Party leaders within their party have raised concerns and they have the right to do so and I am sure we will explain things to them once they hear the process we followed and move forward, I am hopeful they will be convinced,” Sangma further added.

Earlier, the Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma had alleged the regional parties of “playing to the gallery” by not taking a stand on the MoU signed with Assam.

By Our Reporter