SHILLONG, March 10: A day after the Opposition Congress camp hammered the ruling MDA over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, on Wednesday, attempted to vindicate his government’s honour on the floor of the Assembly stating that charge sheets have been filed and action taken against criminals, while assuring that the administration will be firm and ensure that those who commit crime are taken to task.
Opposition Congress MLA from Rangsakona, Zenith Sangma, had on Tuesday criticised the government for not dealing with various law and order situation in the state effectively.
Replying to the Governor’s address, the chief minister said, “I assure the House that we will not allow anybody to take law into their hands. We will be firm and ensure that people who commit crime will be taken to task”. “Nobody is above the law. But yes, we are ready to listen, talk and accommodate; we understand the sentiments. However, that does not mean one can take the law for granted. We will not allow laws to be broken and wrongs to be done in the society,” he added.
Refuting the Opposition’s allegations, the chief minister said, “It is a natural process that happens in every society, state and country; but to say that the law and order situation is completely off the roof is completely wrong. Members should not make statements like this as it is very irresponsible of them”.
Referring to the various points mentioned by the Rangsakona MLA including that the government is not acting on anything, the chief minister said, “They have mentioned about the Lawsohtun Basketball Court case stating that nothing had happened. But charge sheet has been filed against two people in the case with the Umiam Police Station and individuals who were involved have been also been charge-sheeted”.
“Whether you talk of Agnes and Amita case, charge sheet was filed; or even the Umoid case, eight people have been arrested, whereas in the Ichamati case, 70 people have been charge-sheeted,” the chief minister informed.
Therefore, to say that no action has been taken by the police and nothing done are wrong statements, Conrad said.
He reasoned that even in locations like the U.S.A. and U.K., day-to-day problems such as somebody getting beaten up or murdered happen, but that does not mean the law and order scenario is completely out of hand.
“They should instead appreciate that it (situation) has improved. Can it get better? Yes it can. And we will do everything so please give us your positive and constructive ideas for which we will be happy and move things forward,” he added.
The Rangsakona MLA, Zenith Zangma, had earlier come down heavily on the government with regard to the recent attack on migrant labourers at Umoid in South West Khasi Hills questioning the growth prospects of the state. The MLA had also highlighted incidents from the Harijan Colony flare-up, Ichamati violence etc.