SHILLONG:
The Congress on November 25 demanded the resignation of the “very weak” Conrad K Sangma-led MDA government in the aftermath of the Mukroh firing by Assam Police personnel in which fiver residents of the village died on November 22.
Mawkhar-Pynthorumkhrah MDC Pynshngain N Syiem told reporters that the chief minister and his council of ministers must step down to pave the way for a new government which is committed to protect the citizens of the state, especially those residing along the interstate border with Assam.
The demand was made during a condolence meeting and candlelight vigil held at Congress Bhavan to pay respect to the five villagers and express solidarity with the bereaved families.
“We have unanimously resolved to demand that the chief minister and his council of ministers take responsibility by resigning and let others who can lead the MDA government and take decision to protect the people along the interstate border with Assam take over,” he said.
He said the incident at Mukroh has proved that the Meghalaya government is not only soft but “very weak.”
He, however, said that the situation does not warrant President’s Rule since elections are only two-three months away and his party would prefer to wait for the announcement of the Election Commission of India.
When asked if the border discussions should be put on hold, Syiem responded, “What is the value of border talks (with Assam) if our people are killed within the state’s boundaries.”
“We also demand that the state government appoint one member from each of the families of the victims in government jobs,” he said.
The MDC said that the Congress wants the government to immediately set up police outposts in all locations bordering Assam.
On the violent incidents in Shillong, the MDC said that violence is not a solution.
“What we need is to remain calm and bring back normalcy in the city,” Syiem said.
He said that protestors should agitate through peaceful means.
Syiem said that the Congress was happy to see that the Union Home Minister has assured an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the incident.
The State Congress working president also slammed the Assam Police for alleging that the villagers were smuggling timber.
“In fact these people are not involved in timber smuggling as they are farmers. That is only the tactic of the Assam Police to create confusion in the minds of the people,” he added.