SHILLONG, Feb 19: NPP national president and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Sunday said the state government’s way of handling the law and order situation should not be construed as soft or weak.
He said it is not easy to deal with critical situations in a balanced way and ensure there is no loss of life. He made the remarks while addressing a rally to drum up support for his party’s Nongthymmai candidate Jasmine Mary Lyngdoh.
Sangma said there were many law and order problems over the past five years and the state government could have resorted to extreme means of firing to control the situations but did not do so as that would not have solved the problems.
Without divulging details, he said during one incident, he was asked to call in the army and give orders to shoot. He said the endeavour of the government has been to deal with any situation no matter how difficult it is and ensure the citizens do not lose their lives.
“People think Conrad Sangma sometimes becomes a little soft. Friends, our way of handling situations is a balanced one. It should not be considered softness or weakness as there is a vast difference between the two,” he said.
“If you think shooting down people is strength, then anyone can do that. If there is firing, people may lose their lives and for two weeks, six months or even one year, there may not be peace in Shillong. So, taking a decision in such situations is very difficult,” the CM said.
He said once late at night, the government received information that a bomb was going to explode in a populated area and all steps were taken to thwart it. “There are a lot of things that do not come to the forefront. We know how we have to deal with situations. That is why, people voted and put us in this position. We know our responsibility,” Sangma said.
According to him, it is of utmost importance to increase the trust of people, take everyone on board and work together.
“For this, we need leadership, a good government, a strong government, and this time, the public feels that the NPP is such a party that can win and form the government,” he said.
He also said that if the NPP secures majority, it will ensure stability and the government will be able to solve the various issues in a much more efficient manner. He appealed to the voters to give Jasmine a chance.
Jasmine claimed there is not much development in the constituency. She said she has formulated plans to address issues concerning the youth if elected. She underscored how the CM quickly addressed a long-felt need by sanctioning over Rs 20 lakh for the Radha Krishna School of RR Colony to start higher secondary classes.
She urged the school’s managing committee to make it co-ed so that equal opportunities are provided to girls. She suggested that the school can introduce vocational courses.
