By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 1: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday raised serious safety concerns after an unexpected alarm went off during the Meghalaya IT Awards ceremony at the U Soso Tham Auditorium, yet failed to trigger an evacuation.
Pausing his address midway, the chief minister stated that any alarm, whether real or false, must result in an immediate response and clearing of the venue. He described the failure to evacuate the hall as a significant lapse that should not be repeated.
Sangma noted that safety protocols must become second nature for both authorities and the public. He clarified that even during an ongoing programme and regardless of who is speaking, the audience and officials must exit the premises immediately when an alarm sounds.
Expressing regret over the handling of the situation, the chief minister called for regular safety drills and increased awareness to ensure proper emergency responses.
He directed organisers and officials to ensure stricter adherence to safety measures at future public events.
