By Our Reporter

SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said that the political parties should stop indulging in petty and divisive politics for short term political gains but work for the overall interest of the State.

“It is noticed petty politics of different political parties has created a division in the society. This is not a healthy trend,” the Chief Minister said at the official function to commemorate the State’s 40th anniversary on Saturday.

While appealing to political parties to shun petty and divisive politics, the Chief Minister called upon all the political parties to join hands in the process of restructuring the State.

However, the celebration witnessed the conspicuous absence of a host of leaders across the political spectrum including those who were part of the silent but legendary Hill State Movement four decades back.

Forty years ago, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi inaugurated Meghalaya as the 21st state of the Indian Union after a protracted demand by leaders of the Hill State Movement for a separate state.

Meghalaya came into being through non-violent protests ‘sans a drop of blood being shed’.