By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 4: The National People’s Youth Front (NPYF) has called on a medical student to issue an unconditional apology after allegedly showing “disrespect” to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma during a recent meeting at Tura Circuit House.
It may be mentioned that the meeting was convened to deliberate on the financial distress of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) and to assess the feasibility of running the upcoming Tura Medical College under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
While participants reportedly offered constructive suggestions and engaged in fruitful exchanges, the behaviour of one medical student became the focus of controversy.
NPYF working president Anclucis M Marak claimed the student’s manner reflected “a lack of knowledge, maturity and basic etiquette,” adding that the concerns raised could have been presented in a respectful way.
Describing the conduct as unbecoming of a medical student, Marak suggested it may have been influenced by “vested interests” aimed at creating discord and disrupting what was otherwise a calm and meaningful discussion.
“The NPYF demands that the individual extend an unconditional apology to the chief minister, to the senior citizens and to the NGOs who were present. Such an apology is not just owed to those disrespected in person, but also to the people of Meghalaya, whose democratic values and traditions of mutual respect were undermined,” Marak asserted.
He further cautioned that undermining the dignity of the Chief Minister’s Office or insulting elders and community leaders would not be tolerated under any circumstance.
At the same time, the NPYF appealed to the state’s youth and all stakeholders to foster democratic debate through civility and humility.
“Only by embracing constructive dialogue can we strengthen our state and move towards a more prosperous Meghalaya,” Marak said.
