Meghalaya opposition demand central rule, government defends record

The opposition Meghalaya People's Front (MPF) Friday attacked the Congress government on the deteriorating law and order situation and demanded President's rule in the state.

Moving an adjournment motion in the assembly, MPF chief whip James Sangma, who is from the National People's Party, demanded imposition of central rule in the state as the government has failed to tackle the law and order situation.

"Meghalaya, especially Garo Hills is in a state of lawlessness, chaos and anarchy. People are living in fear of insurgency. More than 200 civilians, 102 security forces and 250 insurgents have been killed till January 2014," he said.

"We and the people have lost faith in chief minister (Mukul Sangma) and his government for failure to tackle the deteriorating law and order, to address aspirations of the youth, failure to improve delivery mechanism of state machinery, and therefore, we demand President's rule in the state," Sangma



said.

He also demanded an inquiry into the alleged politician-militant nexus in the state.

Leader of Opposition Donkupar Roy felt central rule was the "only option" to end militancy from the state.

"Peace is more important than having a government or a chief minister at present. If the chief minister considers peace and tranquility is important, then let him (Mukul Sangma) resign as the chief minister," said the veteran United Democratic Party legislator.

However, veteran Congress leader D.D. Lapang urged his fellow legislators to "put heads together" and instil confidence in the minds of people rather than demanding President's rule.

Replying to the adjournment motion, Mukul Sangma admitted the overall law and order situation in the state was a "matter of concern" but said there was no reason to impose President's rule.

"It is an irony they are demanding President's rule... but it (opposition) suits them as they don't have the numbers to topple (the government)," said the chief minister.

The adjournment motion was defeated by the government through a voice vote.
(IANS)