Meghalaya senior Congress leader questions govt to review SOPs to allow Christmas caroling

SHILLONG

Meghalaya Senior Congress leader, Ampareen Lyngdoh on December 21 questioned the State Government that it should review the old standard operating protocol (SOP) to allow some sort of caroling to be organised in the city.

According to the Congress leader, the government should have sought the views and opinions of the leaders of various churches before deciding not to allow Christmas carolling in the streets.

“I really don’t know why is there a big ‘NO’ to carolling. The State Government should have invited all church leaders if Christmas carols should be allowed,” Lyngdoh told reporters here on December 21.

Pointing out that most of the population in Meghalaya are Christians, she said that if the government did not consult the stakeholders, then it is a big problem.

“It is important for the government to understand the sentiments of the people. The government should have allowed some sort of caroling by reviewing the SOPs. Many are not happy with the decision of the government to disallow organising of Christmas carols,” she said.

The senior Congress leader however observed that the people should strictly adhere to the SOPs during the festive season of Christmas.

“All citizens should be able to maintain the SOPs during the festive season, keeping in mind that the COVID-19 situation is still alarming,’ she added.

Earlier, the State health authorities issued a standard operating protocol (SOP) which specified that “carolling may be done within the church premises/designated hall and in a localised manner as per the social distancing norms”.

(Edited by Christopher Gatphoh)