Amid heightened sensitivities in the Garo Hills ahead of Eid festivities and ongoing developments within the autonomous district council, the Meghalaya government has underscored a firm law-and-order stance while directing district authorities to ensure peaceful celebrations across the region.
Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong on Friday asserted that the State would adopt a strict approach towards criminal activities, even as administrative machinery has been activated to maintain communal harmony and public order during the festive period.
“The stand of the government is let the law take its own course, it very clear, those who are involve in this kind of criminal activities nature of, so law is there, so we can’t compromise on that,” he said.
With regard to Eid celebrations in Garo Hills, he said authorities have been put on alert mode to prevent any untoward incidents. “So we have instructed the district administration, as well as law enforcers to be more proactive on this issue and will make sure that the celebrations is smooth and it goes well as plan.”
On allegations of a political angle in recent violence in the region, Tynsong maintained that it would be premature to draw conclusions. “Investigation is going on as of now, I cannot say right now, we are yet to reach to conclusion, so let the investigation go on.”
Addressing queries on the upcoming special session of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), he refrained from offering detailed comments, citing legislative propriety and the autonomy of the Council. “You have receive the notification, you read out the agenda, why should I explain, the agenda is very clear, number one issue is about the amendment of AD rules and Vote on Account budget.”
He further said, “I cannot say anything on that, let the amendment be passed then only I can tell you, see ad rules does not mean only 128, we have 8, 7, 6, so don’t come to conclusion, as I said let the amendment be taken place, let us see, we have to respect the decision of the house, how can I explain to you right now, we need to wait till the house adopted of passed the proposed amendment.”
Reiterating the Council’s legislative independence, he added, “See as I said to you let us see first because it is the duty of district council, why should I encroach the authority of the district council, district council as I already told you they have legislative power, so why should I tell them consult A,B,C, D, it is their duty, it is their prerogative to do it, so therefore, because we fix that, even Governor has notified that special session will be there for two days, that is 23 and 24.”
Meghalaya steps up security for Eid in Garo Hills, reiterates zero tolerance on crime
