Our Bureau
SHILLONG, Oct 10: The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has strongly criticised Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong for shifting the responsibility of children’s safety onto parents.
In a statement on Friday, HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem said the Deputy Chief Minister’s comments were “irresponsible and shocking” and made without understanding the gravity of the situation. “We do not expect such a statement from a Minister who looks after the Home Department, which is mandated to ensure the safety and security of every citizen,” Synrem said.
He further stated that if the government cannot ensure the safety and security of citizens, “then it has no moral responsibility to rule the state.”
The HYC also reminded the Deputy Chief Minister that the Police department is part of public protection and that citizens cannot take the law into their own hands. “However, if the government feels that maintaining law and order is beyond its jurisdiction, then it should consider handing over policing responsibilities to the citizens of the state,” it added.
Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) working president, Thomas Passah, also strongly criticised Tynsong’s remarks, terming it as an attempt by the government to shirk its responsibility.
Passah said it was unfortunate that the Deputy Chief Minister’s statement, instead of reassuring citizens, has instilled fear among parents.
Social media users have also condemned the Deputy Chief Minister’s statement, calling it insensitive and irresponsible.
One user wrote, “Stop blaming us when your system fails! If parents must do everything alone, why do we even need a government? So taxes are for what — your luxuries, not our children’s future? Don’t loot us with corruption! We raise our kids, you raise your salaries. Stop blaming parents, start doing your job. We pay taxes, not excuses. Parents raise kids; the government should raise accountability.”
Another user commented, “Even when children are playing safely in their own compounds, danger can still find them. That’s exactly why strong laws and swift justice matter. Blaming parents alone is just an easy way to ignore the real issue — lack of accountability.”
Echoing similar sentiments, another user pointed out that while parents have a big role to play, law and order exist to protect everyone, especially children.
“If justice was swift and strict, people would think twice before committing such crimes. We should never normalise such acts by saying ‘it’s been happening for ages,’” the user wrote.
A fourth user stressed that both parents and the government share responsibility for children’s safety. “It’s important for both sides to collaborate and ensure the well-being of children. Given that a similar incident occurred last month and hasn’t been adequately addressed, the government must take full responsibility and implement effective measures to prevent such cases,” the user stated.
Another user remarked, “Why is he shoving the blame to the parents? Isn’t he supposed to be the Home Minister? Isn’t maintaining internal security and safety his literal job? What a shameful and disgusting response.”
