The Khun Hynñiewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has condemned the state government’s attempt to proceed with the introduction of casinos in Meghalaya.
KHNAM leader Thomas Passah said today that, despite the vehement protests and discontent among the people and various organisations, the government is still desirous of proceeding with the casino dream.
Pressure groups, traditional institutions, political parties and the church have all expressed misgivings about the government’s plans on turning the Ri-Bhoi area near the Assam border into a mini Macao. The government has been at pains to make clear that Meghalayans will not be allowed into the casinos – they will be exclusively for visitors to the state, with Guwahatians the main target.
“We had expected that the government would respect the sentiments of the people but, contrary to this, it is governing like a dictator,” Passah said. “We demand that the government immediately withdraw all attempts to construct casinos, sign memorandums of understanding with external agencies and put up the act for public and political discussion.”
