Opp terms govt’s denial ‘dangerous’

SHILLONG, May 28: The opposition All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has given the MDA government a rap on the knuckles for not taking cognizance of the alleged irregularities and corruption and purportedly posing as an accused instead.
The AITC’s attack on the government is in reference to the name of Cabinet Minister James PK Sangma surfacing as the possible “mastermind” of clever manipulation of system, relating to siphoning off Meghalaya’s coal resources to Bangladesh.
“The whole inputs coming from different angles (is) indicative of what has been happening in the preceding years and over the year there has been a sincere concerted and sustained attempt by all concerned to draw the attention of the government to ensure that all those instances of irregularities and alleged corruption are put to stop,” said Leader of the Opposition, Dr Mukul Sangma.
He added, “The worst thing is that the government with complete sense of impunity tries to be in denial mode and that is very dangerous.”
On the government seeking proof to substantiate such allegations, Sangma said, “What is the responsibility of the authorities pertaining to certain issues? Any offense which is cognizable under the relevant provision of law the government has to be taken cognizance.”
“Denying to take cognizance of irregularities and alleged corruption only means that they are acting as an accused and by default, telling the people that they are the accused that is why they want to defend themselves. It’s simple,” he added.
He said that the collective endeavour of the people coming from all walks of life is sending a clear message that Meghalaya should be free from corruption.
“If there is no truth in it (allegations), the government should go hammer and tongs. Have they shown the guts to go after those people pointing finger at them? That itself is indicative of what happened. The people in authority, the government has been acting as accused,” he added.