NONGPOH:
The Joint Action Committee Against Casino (JACAC), on September 26, decided that it will meet with Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to demand the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 be repealed, and to also listen to their opposition of casinos being introduced in Ri Bhoi district.
The JAC, comprising traditional heads and pressure groups from Ri Bhoi district, met at Sajer Community Hall, Nongpoh to discuss the opposition of casinos. It may be mentioned that JACAC was formed with the sole purpose to oppose casinos being introduced in Ri Bhoi, and the discussion centred on the proposal for a casino to be set up in Khanapara area of Ri Bhoi District.
JAC secretary and KSU president of North Khasi Hills District Unit, Ferdynald Kharkamni, said that the committee has decided that it will meet with the CM to demand the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act, 2021 be repealed, and for the introduction of casinos in Ri Bhoi district not to be allowed.
Kharkamni also informed that a signature campaign will be organised in different areas of Ri Bhoi district to seek support from the public which is already opposed to the casinos.
Meanwhile, the secretary of Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong Ri Bhoi, PB Sylliang, also informed that the JAC will soon meet with Chief Executive Member (CEM) of Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council (KHADC) to demand trading license for operating a casino in Ri Bhoi district not be given.
The meeting was attended by Ri Bhoi MLAs including Mayralborn Syiem, Nongpoh MLA, George B Lyngdoh, Umroi MLA, Sosthenes Sohtun, Jirang MLA, Balajied Rani, Nongpoh MDC, church leaders and well-known people from Ri Bhoi District.