SHILLONG, Sep 13: Going against its words, the MDA government has issued three temporary licences to individuals to operate casinos in the state.
Recently, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had made an assurance to the Joint Action Committee against Casino (JACAC) Ri-Bhoi district that no licence would be issued to operate casinos.
The revelation about the issuance of the licences was made by Taxation Minister James PK Sangma in the Assembly on Monday. The government’s decision has angered the JACAC as well as the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC).
After an emergency meeting on Tuesday, JACAC secretary Ferdynald Kharkamni said they are saddened by the government’s decision. He said the minister’s reply contradicted the CM’s recent assurance to the JACAC that no licence would be issued to run casinos.
Kharkamni said as the people of Meghalaya and Ri-Bhoi stand opposed to casinos, the government should respect their sentiments. Unlike Sikkim and Goa, the people here are not well-versed with this kind of gambling, he said.
He said the government should instead focus more on building infrastructure such as modern schools and colleges, training centers, proper health care infrastructure etc for the benefit of all.
Kharkamni criticised the government for introducing the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 during the COVID pandemic when people were suffering.
“The Act was introduced at a time when people were in a state of fear and under lockdown. There were no public hearing, but people have the right to accept or reject the project (casino),” Kharkamni said.
He threatened that the JACAC will not sit idle and organise massive public protests in the near future.
It will organise a public meeting at the Durbar Hall of Sajer in Nongpoh on September 23 where all five MLAs and MDCs of Ri-Bhoi, leaders of Ri-Bhoi Dorbar, church leaders, principals of various schools, youth leaders and prominent leaders will be invited to discuss the matter thoroughly and take a decision on the further course of action.
Meanwhile, reiterating its opposition to any form of legalization of gambling, online betting and casinos in the state, the HYC demanded that the government consult all stakeholders before implementing the Act in totality and cancel the temporary licences issued to individuals.
HYC vice president Rhembor G Saibon said Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong had last month categorically stated the NPP-led government has resolved not to allow the opening/operation of casinos given the opposition from various quarters.
“However, despite of assurances and stiff opposition from various quarters, be it NGOs, traditional institutions, religious bodies and the public in general, the government paid no heed to the demand of the citizens and went ahead to enforce the Gambling Act, 2022 by issuing three temporary licences,” the HYC said.
It said the Taxation minister’s statement only showed that with passing each day, the government is all out to do things as per its whims and fancies and interest and it is not bothered by any opposition.
“We are of the opinion that these activities will completely destroy the lives of young and vulnerable men and women as well as their families, irrespective of which community they belong to or belief or faith they are professing,” the HYC said
It asked the government, all MLAs and officers to do some introspection and soul-searching and take a conscious call if the state is moving in the right direction by implementing this “questionable and/or debatable act”.
