SHILLONG, May 6: The government’s decision to legalise gambling in state has not gone down well with the Shillong All Faiths Forum (SAFF), which believes that the move will pave way to creation of “gambling dens” at different locations in the state eventually leading to promotion of “nefarious activities” and increase in “criminality” in such areas.
This was conveyed at a meeting of the SAFF held here on Thursday.
“In consonance with many others who have voiced their opposition to this venture, the Forum feels that the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Rules 2021, empowered by subsection (1) Section 29 of the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021, would pave the way for the creation of gambling establishments with the opening of casinos, gambling dens and parlours at different locations in the State. These would in turn promote other nefarious activities and the increase of criminality in these places,” the SAFF said in a statement. It further pointed out that the “good name of the state will be tarnished and there is the danger that its citizens will lose the respect that has been the bedrock of our existence as local communities here”.
However, the Forum acknowledged the fact that there is a need to increase revenue generation to promote development in state but suggested the government to explore various alternatives other than gambling, and at the same time, make sincere attempts to plug massive revenue leakage.
‘REVOKE ACT’
Meanwhile, the Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) impressed upon Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma to revoke the legislation in question.
After meeting the chief minister, KJCLF secretary, Edwin Kharkongor, informed reporters here that they had urged the state government to repeal the Act. “But we were told by the CM that the Act is yet to be implemented. But the CM told us that implementation of the same will not start without taking into consideration the stakeholders, including the public’s views. The forum will have to wait and see how things roll out,” Kharkongor said.
He further stated that the CM told him that they are still in the process of discussion even as the cabinet is yet to take a decision on its implementation.
Stating that the announcement of the legalisation of gambling came as a shock, Kharkongor, however, pointed out that their concern is the impact gambling would have on morality, character and mental health of the citizens.
KJCLF secretary said that as Christian leaders they are against any form of gambling.
The government had earlier iterated that legalised gambling is meant only for the tourists coming to the state.
This process had started last year when the Regulation of Gaming Rules, 2021, was framed allowing the issuance of licences to operate games of skill and chance, both online and offline.