In continuation of its opposition to casinos and the wider gambling industry, the Khasi Jaiñtia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) held a prayer service at the Presbyterian Church in Police Bazaar here today.
The KJCLF, which brings together several different denominations, wants the state government to repeal the Regulation of Gaming Act 2021; so far, the government has only been willing to scrap the proposal to set up casinos in Meghalaya but not repeal the act in toto.
Attendance was on the low side but prominent among the congregation was Pynthorumkhrah MLA AL Hek of the Bharatiya Janata Party. Until two years ago Hek was a cabinet minister but he has become more outspoken against the government since having to give up his berth to BJP colleague Sanbor Shullai.
President of the KJCLF, Bishop Purely Lyngdoh, said that it is concerning that the government refuses to repeal the act. KJCLF secretary, Rev EH Kharkongor, said that the forum is unwilling to give up its stand as the religious leaders believe it to be important to oppose gambling for the benefit of the state and its youth in particular.
“As a forum, we decided we will not go the way of agitation but we will go the way of advice and support. We organised this special prayer meeting with the intention of calling all Christian groups to take the message in their own areas and reach out to their own members with a responsibility for the society and state,” Rev Kharkongor said.
