‘Late Lateef comment in friendly gesture’

SHILLONG: The Shillong Muslim Union (SMU) on Tuesday clarified that the ‘late Lateef’ comment referred to Chief Minister Mukul Sangma by Sayeedullah Nongrum, chairman of SMU, was in a friendly gesture and not with any intention to make any derogatory remark.
In a statement issued here, Noor Nongrum, secretary of SMU, said Sayeedullah had spoken about the wonderful association of the chief minister with the Union and the College besides his contributions.
He said that the chief minister’s late arrival was not intentional as he was attending NADI Festival and the programme started with his consent.
Noor said the chief minister informed the secretary to inaugurate the library but the Union members decided to wait for his arrival.
The Union has thanked the chief minister for his presence during the inauguration of the Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Islamic Library and Information Centre.