By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Thursday distanced himself from the purported Government move to ask the defence authorities to hand over Garrison Ground for celebration of national days.
The Chief Minister, who was reacting to a query on whether the State Government was considering the possibility of asking the defence establishment to hand over Garrison Ground since the district administration was facing difficulties in finding a suitable venue to organise the Independence Day programme, said selecting the venue was not his concern.
“It is the responsibility of the district administration to find a suitable venue for holding the Independence celebration,” Dr Sangma responded, adding, “My responsibility is only to take the Salute wherever the Independence Day programme is being organised”.
“As a Chief Minister it is not right for me to poke my nose into each and every matter,” the Chief Minister further stated.
In the absence of a proper venue, the East Khasi Hills district administration recently zeroed in on the Second Division Ground at Polo as the venue for the upcoming Independence Day celebration.
It may be recalled that the issue of Garrison Ground and the alleged encroachment by the Defence establishment had rocked the State Assembly during the Budget session this year.
The legislators had also unanimously agreed that the State Government should lead an all-party delegation to vigorously pursue the matter with the Union Defence Ministry and to meet Defence Minister AK Antony to discuss the issue to ensure that Garrison Ground is handed back to the public.
Commenting on the issue, the Chief Minister assured that the State Government would take up the matter with the Union Defence Ministry for handing over of the Garrison Ground.
Dr Sangma also added that the State Government, which has been facing criticism for not allowing public and social functions to be held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Sports Complex, would be relieved of all pressure once the Garrison Ground is made available to the people of the State.