NGOs told to exercise restraint

SHILLONG, July 9: The ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) coalition has urged all stakeholders to act responsibly in law-and-order issues in the state.
The plea followed instances of pressure groups checking labour and trading licences, erecting inner line permit (ILP) check gates, and frisking commuters.
“Good sense should prevail whether it is the government, parties in the opposition, or NGOs. We all are trying to make Meghalaya realise its potential as a powerhouse of culture and music. Each one of us needs to act responsibly,” Cabinet Minister and MDA spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh said on Tuesday.
He emphasised that the issues are in the domain of the appropriate authorities, including the Home department and the Deputy Chief Minister. He clarified that the Tourism Department is not solely responsible, as the matters involve multiple agencies such as the Shillong Municipal Board and Labour Department.
“I would like the Deputy CM in charge of Home to react because this is news to me,” he said when asked about the assault
on a technician from Delhi operating the paving machine at the JNU Stadium for the Durand Cup.
On the KSU erecting the ILP check gate, Lyngdoh said the issue can be resolved amicably without major controversy. “It can be easily resolved and I hope that good sense will prevail and we should be able to sort things out,” he added.
The MDA’s call for responsible action aims to ease tensions and promote a collaborative approach to addressing the state’s challenges.