VPP says blasts, law and order breakdown will impact tourism

SHILLONG, March 17: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) is worried that recurring incidents of IED blasts in the state and the fear of law and order breakdown would have a massive impact on the state’s economy as it would cripple those who are dependent on tourism for their livelihood.
VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh on Sunday said there are two categories of law and order — the first is a violent law and order situation while the second is a non-violent law and order breakdown. “The violent law and order situations are created by non-state actors,” he said.
Myrboh said the bomb blasts that the state has been witnessing are a worrying trend as this will have an impact on the economy especially those dependent on tourism for livelihood.
“Such law and order situation was expected to happen and it is the duty of the state government to maintain law and order and strengthen its intelligence gathering,” he said.
He pointed out that the MDA Government has always been guilty of disregarding the rule of law when it comes to tackling violent law and order situations.
“Breakdown of the rule of law was witnessed in the case of illegal mining and illegal transportation of coal, proliferation of illegal check gates and illegal coke plants. The government did little to address the issue which is unfortunate,” he added.
It may be added that the proscribed HNLC recently claimed responsibility for the IED blast at Harijan Colony on March 9 and issued an ultimatum to the state government to relocate the residents of the colony within one month, or face “consequences”.