SHILLONG, Sep 29: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Thursday said the NPP-led MDA government has always prioritised the safety and security of the citizens of the state.
He said in the past four-and-half years, not a single life was lost and nobody was caned by the police during any law and order situation. He said in most cases, the police personnel were at the receiving end.
He was speaking at a function at the Meghalaya Hindu Mission where he inaugurated various amenities under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund. High-tech CCTVs, LED streetlights and mortuary van were dedicated to the people of West Shillong constituency.
He said he has always given priority to peace and law and order. Giving priority does not mean using the police force in a strong manner. Whatever situation arose, the government worked taking the public together, he said.
He claimed that during any law and order situation before 2018, the police officers were told do whatever they wanted, including firing of shots in which lives were lost and people were injured.
He said after he had taken over, he told the police to do their job of maintaining law and order and also ensure that every citizen is protected. He said bottles were hurled and stones pelted at police personnel but they did not retaliate by opening fire on the citizens. This is not an easy task, he said.
Recalling the 2018 Shillong unrest, he said 120 police personnel were injured with one of them being hit by a petrol bomb on the head. He said peace is very important for the government and its principle is to take everybody along.
Stating that the government faced challenges in various spheres, he said the COVID-19 pandemic was a difficult phase. The government did whatever best it could to counter it and the citizens also played an important role by working together with the government. This reflects the mindset of the society and its people that they stand together when confronted with challenges, he said.
Talking about the constituency, Sangma said local MLA Mohendro Rapsang is focussed on the safety and security aspect and has, in a short time, managed to light up dark alleys and nook and corners that people were afraid of venturing at night.
He highlighted how the MLA ensured that CCTVs are installed at strategic locations. He said it is incorrect for the Opposition to say everything is under misgovernance.
“If you look at the overall work done, the results clearly reflect that change has taken place in the last four and half years,” he said.
“I mentioned to you (earlier) that we will be receiving a Presidential award for our JJM performance on October 2 as Meghalaya is one of the best performing states,” the CM said, adding that the government has also done well in various other departments and received awards.
“But we are not saying everything is perfect. Of course, there are still a lot of challenges and we have to work harder,” he said.
