By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Oct 19: The Joint Action Committee (JAC), a conglomeration of several pressure groups from Ri-Bhoi district, vowed on Thursday to start an agitation if the state government did not comply with its demand to postpone the final day of the three-day Cherry Blossom Festival, which is scheduled for a Sunday.
The JAC members attempted to meet with Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh on Thursday but were unable to due to his tight schedule.
Disappointed, the organisation clarified that while they are not against the celebration, they object to its being held on a Sunday, which is a holy day for the Christians.
The JAC threatened to stage agitations during the festival if the government failed to respect their sentiments.
Reacting to the JAC’s agitation threat, Lyngdoh expressed his suspicion that the opposition to having the Cherry Blossom Festival’s final day fall on a Sunday is motivated by politics.
“Anything is open to objection, but this is a first. Have there not previously been Sunday performances in Shillong? If so, I believe there is a political motivation for this action, as there are forces attempting to obstruct the expansion of tourism,” Lyngdoh stated.
He explained the idea behind the Cherry Blossom Festival by saying, “During such festivals, tourists from outside the state, including international tourists, make up 90 % of the traffic. Anyone who is not into the concept of a festival of this kind is not intended for this event. We are not imposing anything on anyone.”
“And actually, we picked a location within the Ri-Bhoi District for its growth because there (Contd on P-4)
Groups warn of stir…
(Contd from P-1) will be many opportunities for people to do business there — stalls, shops, taxis, and other modes of transportation — all of which will be profitably engaged,” he continued.
“Now if you say that, why have the festival on Sunday; so should we end it up to Saturday? What about Seven Day Adventists? Additionally, Muslims will complain if you serve it on Friday. How can you govern a state in that way?” he questioned.
He claimed that the issue here is that there is a group of individuals who believe they are smarter than the candidates they have chosen.
So why did you vote for us? Why do they not seize control of the government? With the mandate of those people, you have an elected government and a cabinet. You immediately begin to believe that you are smarter, wiser, more visionary, and have greater foresight than the leaders you have chosen. Irony in and of itself,” he said.
He restated that people were free to choose not to attend the festival; the government was not forcing them to. “Should we force everyone to attend church on Sundays and close all movie theatres, pubs, restaurants, and parks? Can the government really do that?” was his question.
He remarked, “We will make sure that nothing of the kind is permitted to occur,” pointing out that some factions had vowed to agitate.
“Any idea will inevitably encounter opposition. But should a government give in, particularly in cases when reason is lacking? Not logical,” he remarked.