Big relief for Dr M Ampareen Lyngdoh, Cabinet Minister and NPP legislator, as the Meghalaya High Court on Thursday quashed proceedings against her and former education officials JD Sangma and A Lyngdoh in the 2009 White Ink Scam.
Speaking to media, she reflected on the emotional toll of the 17-year-long struggle.
“A lot of water under the bridge, I have suffered so much for 17 long years. I never retaliated, I never rebutted, I distance myself from the court. Hundreds of hearings I had to attend, humiliating myself, feeling so disturbed. My late mother ‘Mum’ must be happy, I told my mother I didn’t do it, but she was constantly under pressure. She is no longer here to enjoy this beautiful day. Never at any point I misused my office to favour or otherwise anyone in my discharge of duties as Minister,” an emotional Lyngdoh said.
The long legal battle began even before the CBI filed a chargesheet accusing her of manipulating recruitment results with white ink during her tenure as Education Minister. On Thursday, the verdict lifted what she called a “huge, huge pain.”
“Today’s verdict validates our stand. I’m very, very grateful to all those that have accused me so wrongly, I will pray that God will grant me the grace to forgive each and every one of you. You brought a lot of pain to my life. How you, without any clue, continue to put white ink on my name. That is, I’m grateful to the judiciary system in the country. This country, this nation who will always fight for justice and this is the justice I get today,” she added.
When asked if she would act against her accusers, Lyngdoh replied, “I will pray for guidance, I will pray that God gives me strength to forgive those who have harmed us. We are watching the next move of anyone very closely.”
