SHILLONG, JUL 10: Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai on Friday took strong objection to the Voice of the People Party’s protest against Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit to Jaintia Hills for Behdeinkhlam, describing it as “embarrassing” and unwarranted.
Sarma was in Jowai on Thursday as chief guest at the invitation of Seinraij, Jowai.
Shullai, along with the Deputy Chief Minister and local legislators, attended the festival with him.
“We feel embarrassed that the Prah party (VPP) opposed the visit of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as chief guest to the great festival of the Pnar community, Behdeinkhlam. I was present there yesterday,” Shullai said.
He said the VPP’s attempt to link the visit to the pending border dispute was misplaced.
“It is funny that they say Himanta Biswa Sarma should solve the boundary issue. This visit has nothing to do with the border issue,” he stated.
According to Shullai, groups are free to raise concerns with both state governments, but targeting a cultural event was wrong.
“Every individual, NGO or political party has the right to raise issues. But they should not protest his visit as chief guest to the festival. It is not connected with the border issue,” he said.
He added that the border matter is already with a government-appointed committee.
“If there are suggestions or objections in writing, they should be submitted to the government or to that committee,” Shullai said.
The Minister further said such statements do not reflect public opinion.
“We feel it is funny that a political party like the Prah has made these statements, which are not accepted by the people of the state,” he said.
By Our Reporter
