SHILLONG:
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on November 29 said that the government is keeping a close watch on the law and order situation in the state.
“We are watching the law and order situation very closely and all our police personnel and entire government machinery is keeping a very strong watch on the law and order situation,” Sangma told reporters.
Stating that the situation is under control, the chief minister added, “But it doesn’t mean that we can be complacent. So we will ensure that we are vigilant and keep monitoring the situation.”
Appealing to all to maintain peace and tranquility in the state, Sangma said, “I also urge our citizens, elders, different civil societies, NGOs and all the people of Shillong and Meghalaya that this is an important phase for us and violence is not the way for us to move forward. We are not achieving anything by being violent as the people who are suffering are our own people and there is no reason for us to do that to make our people suffer. Yes it is a difficult time, but it is a time to work together and move forward.”
Asked on whether the MDA government is too soft in handling the law and order situation, the chief minister said, “I want to say this, that it is easier to give an order to shoot people and to use force. Let me tell you very frankly that it is very easy but it is more difficult to understand and have the patience to listen, to resolve and to keep in mind the larger interest while so much noise is going on everywhere.”
“People can look at it from whatever way they wish, I have no problem with that. As for me, I have always kept a clear vision and for me, peace and tranquility in the state, the safety of our citizens, the overall growth of our state, is paramount for me. Hence in this situation, yes there are challenges, we can look at it and work whatever way we want to, we could use force and make the situation even more complicated or we could have patience, listen or have dialogue,” he added.