Conrad, Ampareen draw praise for helping injured tourists from Assam
SHILLONG, Jan 14: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh’s act of helping two injured tourists on January 12 has drawn comparison with the death of a biker hit by a vehicle in the convoy of one of their Cabinet colleagues almost two months ago.
The CM and the Health Minister have been lauded widely for extending aid to the tourists from Assam in Mawkdok while returning to Shillong together from a two-day cabinet retreat at Sohra.
The incident rekindled memories of the November 15, 2024 tragedy in which biker Huddersfield Rymbui lost his life after his bike was hit by an escort vehicle in the convoy of Tourism Minister Paul Lyngdoh en route to the Shillong Cherry Blossom Festival at Umroi. A pillion rider was also injured in the same incident.
The Ri-Bhoi police said the investigation into Rymbui’s death is ongoing, with the authorities still awaiting a report from the Forensic Science Laboratory.
Following the accident last year, the state government faced widespread condemnation for perpetuating a VIP culture that prioritizes the convenience of officials over public safety.
Amid the uproar, promises were made to draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regulating the use of sirens, tinted glasses, and flickering lights by government convoys.
The SOPs are yet to be issued, leading to mounting scepticism about the government’s commitment to reforms.
The contrasting narratives — one of proactive assistance to injured tourists and the other of delayed justice and unfulfilled promises — underscore the complexity of public sentiment toward Meghalaya’s political leadership.
As the district council elections approach, the state government’s ability to balance public expectations with tangible action on issues such as VIP culture will remain under scrutiny.
