By Our Special Correspondent
Shillong: Exhorting the agitating pressure groups – the KSU, HNYF and FKJGP to restrain themselves from using bandhs as a method of protest, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Tuesday said, “No organisation should call a bandh without exhausting all avenues of engagement with the Government.”
“Every interface should have clear objectives. We have tried to be responsive to your demands hence shortcut methods such as bandhs etc to push for demands are uncalled for”, he said adding. “Let us set a new trend of healthy engagement.”
Dr Sangma said Meghalaya is reeling from backwardness and poverty and pressure groups should refrain from engaging in agitational programmes that puts the life of the common man in jeopardy.
Responding to the FKJGP member Emlang Lyttan who said that NGO members should not be harassed and that all FIRs filed against them be withdrawn, the Chief Minister said 33 instances of arson had taken place during the agitation period. “The Government cannot remain a silent spectator in the face of such destructive acts,” Dr Sangma stated.
