Christian leaders concerned with the recently passed gambling act in the state received limited assurances from Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who they met today.
The Khasi Jaiñtia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) has come out in opposition to the act, which could pave the way for casinos in the state and legalise gambling. Prior to this only gambling on traditional archery was permitted.
Briefing the press after the meeting, KJCLF secretary, Rev EH Kharkongor, said that the forum, which includes Presbyterian, Catholic, Church of North India and Church of God among its constituents, was shocked at the passage of the bill. The KJCLF came out with a strongly-worded press release recently decrying the legislation and calling for moral leadership in the state.
“Our concern is the immoral aspects of it (gambling) and the effects on the character of the citizens of the state. Another concern is that a person engaged in gambling, studies have shown detrimental impact (from gambling), like on their mental health and other implications,” Rev Kharkongor said. “It also leads to criminal activities affecting the individual, family and society in different ways.”
Separately, the Shillong All Faith Forum (SAFF) also came out in opposition to the legalisation of gambling through a press release today.
The government’s stand is that casinos will only be located in Ri-Bhoi close to Guwahati to draw in punters from Assam. Meghalayans will not be permitted to patronise the casinos. The act will also regularise gaming parlours that operate in a legal grey area at present. All this, the government hopes, will bring in large amounts of revenue for the state exchequer through taxes.
Asked about the CM’s assurances, the KJCLF secretary said that Sangma told them that the act has not been implemented in Meghalaya as yet, and when the cabinet decides to move on the issue it will first consult all stakeholders.
Rev Kharkongor said that the forum is not in favour of any form of gambling and will discuss further as to its next steps, though it would still rather see the legislation repealed.
Meanwhile, SAFF expressed apprehension over the decision to legalise gambling, saying it will tarnish Meghalaya’s “good name”.
SAFF leaders held a meeting yesterday and condemned the state’s new Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Rules 2021. Under these rules, the state would see casinos, gambling dens and parlours open up and “these would, in turn, promote other nefarious activities and the increase of criminality in these places.”
Although SAFF accepted that there is a need to create more revenue streams for Meghalaya, it suggested that the government “explore various alternative, viable options” and plug “revenue leakage”.
