SHILLONG: The opposition Congress is set to target the NPP-led MDA government over the assault of Agnes Kharshiing and Amita Sangma while probing illegal coal mining and transportation and the alleged role of members of the ruling party in the attack during the one-day special session on Tuesday.
A Congress member said on Sunday the opposition will take up the issue of breakdown of law and order in Jaintia Hills vis-à-vis the allegations of illegal coal mining and transportation, among other important issues to be raised by the party concerning the state.
Though the special session was initially called for passing a fresh resolution on the need to recognise Khasi-Garo language, the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) that met on Thursday had accepted more agenda from the private members.
Formation of an assembly committee on environment is also part of the agenda of the session.
There will be government business followed by private members’ business on the same day at the special session, as per the calendar fixed by the BAC.
After the treasury bench completes the government business, the opposition will take up the worsening law and order situation by way of a call attention motion under rule 54 (1) of the rules of procedure and conduct of business in the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Another agenda under the private members’ business is to raise discussion for half an hour on a matter of urgent public importance under rule 50 of the Rules of Procedure and conduct of business in Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
Through the discussions, the opposition is expected to call for an independent probe into the politico-police-coal mafia nexus.
Congress spokesperson HM Shangpliang refused to divulge the details of the call attention motion and separate discussion on the matter of urgent public importance.
When asked whether the assault of activists and the role of NPP in the incident will be raised, Shangpliang indicated that all these will be part of general issues concerning the state to be raised by the opposition.
Sources said that the issues to be raised by the opposition will have reference to the serious breakdown of law and order in Jaintia Hills with particular reference to the attack on the NGO leaders, Agnes and Amita by a gang led by NPP leader from East Jaintia Hills, Nidamon Chullet.
Stating that a lot of issues related to law and order will be raised, Shangpliang, who is also the secretary of Congress Legislative Party (CLP), said, “The CLP will meet on Monday
to adopt a strategy to corner the government on the law and order issue.”
Assembly Commissioner and Secretary Andrew Simons said the MLAs concerned will submit the call attention motion and notice for half an hour discussion on Monday to the Assembly Secretariat.
On Tuesday, after the House assembles, the government will introduce the resolution on Language Bill for amendment followed by discussion and vote for passing the resolution.
Secondly, there will be a presentation on the report of the Rules Committee of the Assembly for setting up a new committee on environment.
