Shillong, Aug 22: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) condemned violence and intimidation causing fear in Shillong, while holding the NPP-BJP-led state government accountable for failure to anticipate and prevent escalation, including along the Meghalaya-Assam border.
In a statement on Saturday, the Congress said people are paying the price for an administration that has substituted governance with public relations and lip service.
“Despite having intelligence, machinery and adequate warning, the government failed to act with seriousness, sensitivity and preparedness,” the party said.
It said travellers feel unsafe, tourists have cancelled bookings causing losses to hotels, homestays, taxi operators and shops, while movement of medicines and essentials has been disrupted affecting patients and hospitals.
“It takes years to build confidence among tourists and investors, but only a few incidents and incompetent response to destroy it,” MPCC said.
Flagging the border situation, the party said sensitive interstate matters require mature leadership and continuous dialogue and should not be allowed to escalate due to negligence.
While condemning violence from any quarter, MPCC said maintaining law and order is the fundamental responsibility of the government.
It demanded immediate steps to restore confidence, ensure movement of essentials, provide security to travellers and tourists, and handle the border issue through responsible dialogue.
“Meghalaya deserves governance, not excuses; action, not lip service,” the statement said.
