By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, April 21: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Tuesday hit back at the Indian National Congress after party leader Manuel Badwar accused it of “hijacking” the Umiam resort issue for political mileage, asserting that its stand is rooted in long-standing concerns over environmental and social impact.
In a statement, VPP spokesperson Londoner Murphy Sohtun said the party had raised objections to the proposed luxury resort and spa project well in advance, both through official communication with the government and on the floor of the Assembly.
“This issue was not created overnight. Our concerns have been consistent and placed on record. To term it as opportunism is misleading,” Sohtun said, adding that the government had failed to engage in meaningful dialogue despite repeated representations.
He maintained that the VPP’s position is driven by the need to protect Meghalaya’s environment, cultural values and social fabric, stressing that questioning large-scale tourism projects in sensitive areas is a matter of responsibility.
The Congress, while backing environmental concerns, had criticised the VPP for hijacking and politicising the issue. Badwar said the debate had been “distorted,” clarifying that his party does not oppose the establishment of a resort or spa, noting that such ventures contribute to livelihoods.
However, he cautioned against expanding the project to ecologically sensitive areas such as Lumpongdeng Island, describing it as unnecessary and excessive. He also accused the VPP of escalating tensions through public mobilisation instead of constructive engagement with the government.
Responding to this, the VPP defended its call for public mobilisation, stating that it is a legitimate democratic response when institutions fail to adequately address public concerns. The party also questioned the Congress party’s stance, alleging inconsistency in its position on the issue.
VPP reiterated that the issue goes beyond politics and called on all stakeholders to ensure that development in the state remains sustainable and aligned with the interests of its people.
