SHILLONG: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma has appealed to different stakeholders and organisations not to take any action or indulge in any kind of violence following the recent incidents in the state.
The statement came from the Chief Minister a day after KSU chief said that the organsiation would sit after the last rites of their member who was killed in violence at Ichamati, and take strong action on the matter.
“We will appeal to different stakeholders and all other organsiations not to take any violent route and we must ensure there is peace and all the people who are responsible for this violence and the injury of so many , action would be taken against them and therefore, there is no need for any kind of action or violence to be indulged in and Government and Police Department are very serious about the matter,” the Chief Minister said after checking on those injured in the recent violent incidents in Ichamati and Shillong city.
Informing that most of the people who were injured in recent violence are stable and some of them require operations, the Chief Minister also announced that Meghalaya Government would bear the cost of treatment of all the injured persons.
Terming the law and order situation as under control, the Chief Minister added that all necessary actions were being taken in terms of case and FIRs filed on the recent violent incidents.
He stated that CAPF are being deployed in Sohra and Shillong and the Government is awaiting the arrival of two more companies of CAPF even as Ministry of Home Affairs has assured that it would send more forces, if required
“I am also in touch with the MHA and PMO,” he said.
When asked how long city will continue to be under the grip of curfew, he said that the Government would have to keep a watch on the situation and curfew was being imposed only in specific areas and based on how situation developed in the next few days, Government would take a call.
When asked about the Opposition holding the Government responsible for the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, he said that this was not a time to play politics and all should come together including political class, citizens and organizations.
“I will appeal all including political parties to work unitedly to see that no further escalation takes place,” he said adding the government is examining the suggestion for having an all political party discussion to on the prevailing the situation.
When asked about HNLC issuing an ultimatum to people from certain group to leave Ichamati, he said that certain media had published the report defying the directive of the Government and the High Court, which is incorrect and appropriate action would be taken.
He also said that discussing the issue would lead to further instigation and they were right now focusing on ensuring peace in the state.
As far as the recent stabbing case in Iewduh in which several people were injured, Sangma said that measures were being taken to look into the matter and police had got some information and intelligence inputs on the incidents.
“A Suo motor case has been registered and SP is investigating and there are some leads into the matter,” he said
He also said that these were sporadic incidents which are isolated and therefore, areas like Police Bazar and Bara Bazar where large number of non-tribals stay, Government is ensuring that curfew continues in the area and some measures are also been taken .
On being asked about the lack of security in Ichamati during the anti CAA rally, he reiterated that everything was peaceful during the meeting and when everybody including police dispersed, something happened and it would be known during the magisterial inquiry.