SHILLONG/TURA, July 25: The MLAs from Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) 2.0 have taken a serious view of the Tura incident on July 24 and expressed concern over the sudden eruption of violence.
A mob had attacked the mini secretariat when Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and others were holding a meeting with Garo civil society groups regarding the demand for designating Tura as the state’s winter capital.
The MLAs in a statement condemned the “uncalled for” violence and demanded strong action against the perpetrators.
State BJP president Ernest Mawrie also condemned the incident. “Our party neither endorses any form of violent protest nor has it issued any directive to its Mahila Morcha members,” he said.
The BJP wants all those involved in the attack on the CM’s office in Tura should be arrested immediately, he said. “Our party will seek a report from the district office and initiate action against those who are involved in such crimes,” he said.
The disciplinary committee would be assigned to submit a report on those involved within 15 days.
In separate statements on Monday’s incident, the National People’s Party (NPP) and the National People’s Youth Front condemned the attack on the CMO at Dakopgre during a meeting between the chief minister and members of civil society groups.
“As responsible citizens, the members of the NPP condemn the incident and request the perpetrators to take up the issue through peaceful negotiations and not resort to any kind of violence. We also appeal to the public to maintain peace and extend their cooperation to the government towards an amicable solution to the issue,” the NPP said.
Meanwhile, the NPYF stated that the attack on the CMO Tura was tantamount to a criminal conspiracy by anti-social elements.
“We strongly denounce the attack which could have harmed the chief minister. The hooligans went to the venue with a preconceived plan to disturb the peace,” the NPYF said.
It also expressed shock that even an ambulance, which should never be subject to attacks, was damaged. Demanding strong action against the miscreants, the organisation urged the people to remain calm and let the law-enforcing agencies take control.
Fernandez S. Dkhar, reacting to the arrest of TMC state youth president Richard M. Marak, said the police action against the perpetrators seemed to convey that the police were out to settle scores on behalf of the political masters.
“As far as I know, Richard never went to the spot where the members of some NGOs are sitting in protest. He has been busy looking after his household since his wife was hospitalised on Friday and was discharged yesterday (Monday). He also had a mild stroke recently and is trying to regain his health,” he said.
Dkhar recalled the arrest of the BJP’s Bernard N. Marak, in which the “police worked as an extended arm” of the chief minister.
Former MLA, PT Sawkmie termed the incident in Tura as unfortunate and uncalled for.
He said some people are taking advantage of the situation for political gains.
“There is an attempt to sabotage the serious efforts of the government to address the concerns raised by the people. I appeal everyone to work together for peace and tranquility,” Sawkmie said.
