SHILLONG: High handedness of many volunteers manning the multifaceted festival of art, culture, music- 18 Degrees at State Central Library campus prevented some media persons from entering the main venue to cover the valedictory function of the festival here on Saturday.
The three-day event which started on Thursday concluded here on Saturday with the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma attending the closing function as the chief guest.
Interestingly, when media persons tried to enter the main venue to cover the programme, volunteers manning the programme, comprising representatives from the Bouncers’ Association of Meghalaya (BAM) disallowed them from entering due to non-availability of passes. Even producing Press Identity cards seemed to have the least of affect on the volunteers.
Confusion reigned large as the BAM representatives denied renowned Quizmaster Barry O’brien entry and asked him to produce a pass.
It may be reminded that when the festival was announced, the Art and Culture department had never mentioned the need to possess passes to cover the said function.
Similarly, when the festival was inaugurated on Thursday by Arts and Culture minister Clement Marak, media persons were not asked to produce passes.
