SHILLONG, May 26: In what is the first instance of its kind in Meghalaya, church leaders have nudged the political leadership about ensuring a corruption-free government in the state.
Viewed in the context of various charges of corruption against those in the corridors of power, the move comes as a refreshing change from the usual indifference of the church leaders.
On Thursday, the Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders Forum (KJCLF) called upon leaders of various political parties to ensure the installation of a corruption-free government in the state after Assembly elections next year.
The church leaders interacted with the representatives of various political parties and expressed concern over how alleged corruption has “destabilised” the whole system.
All India Trinamool Congress leader Mukul Sangma, BJP leader Alexander Laloo Hek, KHNAM legislator Adelbert Nongrum, UDP general secretary Jemino Mawthoh, HSPDP president KP Pangniang and PDF leader Auspicious L Mawphlang were among those who were present. None from the NPP attended the meeting.
Later, KJCLF president, Bishop Emeritus, Purely Lyngdoh told reporters they had appealed to the political leaders to not indulge in any corrupt practices.
“I am not speaking only about corruption in terms of greed for money. What we are talking about is to ensure optimum utilisation of their time and not to misuse their position which might destroy the state,” Lyngdoh said.
He said he witnessed a very unhealthy trend where most leaders are concerned only about their personal growth and the growth of their parties.
Without taking any name, he said political parties foraying into the state should fulfil their commitment with action and not in words.
According to Lyngdoh, this is the first step of inviting leaders of different political parties to express the concerns of the church and the citizens at large about the future of the state.
He said the political parties need to realise that the state’s future lies in their hands. It is their responsibility to come up with policies and programmes which will help build the future, he added.
The KJCLF president said they cannot shy away from their responsibility by giving excuses that they are MLAs only for five years. He said the meeting was convened as the forum is concerned over the general welfare of the state, especially as the polls are round the corner.
According to him, the political leaders, who attended the meeting, have similar concerns.
“As church leaders, we pray that those who are really concerned about the people and the state are elected,” Lyngdoh said.
He said the various churches would try to educate people on the negative impacts of corruption and the need to elect leaders who are committed to building the state.
“As citizens, we also need to help the political leaders to achieve the target. We cannot only point our fingers. We need to work together for the betterment of the state,” Lyngdoh added.
Lauding the KJCLF’s initiative, Mukul said he hopes this engagement is carried forward towards creating an enabling environment for such a future which everyone can be proud of.
“Political dynamics are such that politicians are a vulnerable group of people. We are also under continuous scrutiny. But we need to ensure that this kind of scrutiny helps us regulate ourselves which is in sync with the aspirations of the people,” Mukul said.
Further, he said a corruption-free government is needed as it helps ensure that the whole momentum of growth is crucial for a progressive and prosperous future.
“We need to ensure that it does not get derailed due to corruption,” Mukul said.
He added that the agenda of achieving a state which is free from corruption must be an agenda of each and every political leader of the state.
