Shillong:
Concerned over the government’s move to legalise gambling in the state, the Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders Forum (KJCLF), on May 6, met with Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and expressed their opposition to the move.
Citing objection to the “immoral” aspect of gambling, Rev ER Kharkongor of the Presbyterian Church said, “It affects the morality, the character of the citizens of the state.”
Citing several studies on the detrimental effects of gambling on individuals, Kharkongor said that gambling affects one’s mental health and also pushes people to commit crimes.
The KJCLF leader told the press that the chief minister reiterated to the delegation that though the Act is there, the government has not implemented it and that matter is still in the discussion stage. Kharkongor also said that Sangma also assured the delegation that the views of different stakeholders would be taken into consideration if the government decides to legalise it.
He also informed that Sangma indicated that there will be several steps and rules to protect the local populace.
The Chief Minister also told the delegation that the intention is to raise revenue for the state for different development projects, Kharkongor further informed.