SHILLONG, March 13: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Friday assured that the ruling National People’s Party (NPP) will resolve issues related to the ST certificate demand and continue to serve the people, while calling for unity and brotherhood among communities in the wake of the recent unrest in Garo Hills region that left two persons dead.
Addressing party leaders and supporters here, Sangma said the NPP would remain committed to the principles of its founder, P.A. Sangma, and continue working for the welfare of the people.
“The NPP will resolve the ST certificate issue. We will continue to serve the people with dedication and commitment,” the Chief Minister said in Tura.
Two persons were killed in police firing at Chibinang in West Garo Hills early Tuesday morning while several incidents of arson, assault on civilians and the gathering of large crowds were reported in Tura and other locations across the five districts of Garo Hills.
The Meghalaya High Court, on Tuesday, struck down a notification making Scheduled Tribe certificates compulsory for filing nominations for the GHACD polls that led to the violence.
The notification sought to bar non-tribals from contesting the GHADC elections in a departure from the practice that continued for over seven decades.
The Chief Minister urged party workers and supporters to remain united and further strengthen the party.
“No one can weaken the morale of the NPP. Let us stand united and work together to further strengthen the party,” Sangma said.
Appealing for peace and harmony, he also stressed the importance of forgiveness and unity among communities.
“As Christians, we are taught to love and forgive. At this moment, we must come together as one and promote unity and brotherhood,” he said.
Sangma also lauded the police, district administration and other officials for maintaining law and order during the recent violence in Tura.
“I would like to thank the police and officials who worked tirelessly to ensure that the situation was brought under control,” he said, while also expressing gratitude to the residents of Tura for standing united and helping restore normalcy.
He further thanked religious leaders and community organisations for appealing for calm and helping maintain peace. (PTI)
