Meghalaya internet ban: Govt infringing on everybody’s rights, says Mukul
SHILLONG | March 4:
The Opposition Congress has expressed distrust over the manner in which the NPP-led MDA government is handling the current law and order situation in Meghalaya while asking the government to conduct a proper and transparent inquiry into the recent Ichamati incident.
"We cannot trust the MDA Government; the magisterial inquiry may be an eye wash and hence an appropriate inquiry is required to be conducted," said Opposition leader Dr Mukul Sangma while speaking to newsmen here on Wednesday.
While referring to the Ichamati clash which erupted between KSU members and non-locals on February 28 leading to the death of one KSU member, Lurshai Hynniewta, Dr Sangma said the party will table a resolution in the upcoming Budget session to urge the Union Government to repeal Citizenship Amendment Act.
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Training his guns at the government, the former chief minister said that the decision of the government to institute a magisterial inquiry into the incident is a 'chalta hai-type' attitude alleging that the government continues to remain disconnected with the ground situation, causing inconvenience to people.
To a question on whether the decision of the Government to suspend mobile internet was necessary, Dr Sangma said "First thing they do is infringe on everybody's right. This only causes inconvenience to people and there was sudden disruption of communication, creating lot of confusion."
He recalled that in the past, the Congress Government, too, had faced challenging situations but they never resorted to the banning of internet.
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Stating that the the incident has brought in a sense of mistrust and hatred which must be prevented, the Opposition leader said that the Government must go after the kingpin who are responsible for the violence in Ichamati.
Lamenting that all the hardwork and brand building of the state all these years have gone down the drain, Dr Sangma said Meghalaya is now known for all the wrong reasons; "People should come together and restore peace. There are reasons to believe that when we all come collectively we can undo the damage and erase bitter memories," he added.
Meanwhile, commenting on the current predicament that Meghalaya is in due to curfews, Dr Sangma stated the shopkeepers and traders, who are suffering due to curfew, are not getting any support from the government.
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"Is curfew really being enforced? what can be a bigger joke than this? If not necessary why impose it? We all have seen number of vehicles moving during curfew hours. There are other mechanisms to deal with the situation…," said the opposition leader.
