By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 18: Rejecting labels of being “weak” on law and order, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong on Saturday defended the MDA government’s soft-handed approach to dissent, arguing that “patience” and “dialogue” are deliberate choices rather than signs of a failing administration.
Responding to growing criticism over the state’s handling of protesters, Tynsong maintained that the leadership—including Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar—favours keeping communication channels open.
He argued that when public opposition arises, the government’s priority is to resolve differences through discussion rather than force.
The Deputy CM’s defense of “engagement” serves as a diplomatic counterweight to the more aggressive ultimatums recently issued by the administration regarding stalled infrastructure projects.
While Tynsong framed the government’s restraint as a virtue, he did not specify which groups are being engaged or provide a timeline for resolving ongoing disputes, such as the hunger strike against the Lumpongdeng tourism project.
Deflecting specific law-and-order failures with the platitude that “no individual is perfect,” Tynsong asserted that the administration will continue its efforts to ensure its decisions are understood by the public. The statement attempts to rebrand administrative delays as strategic patience, even as the government struggles to find common ground with environmental and social activists.
