Shillong, Oct 9: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has hit out at the Conrad Sangma government for failing to act against Advocate General Amit Kumar despite opposition from the legal fraternity.
CoMSO General Secretary Balkarin Ch. Marak called Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma’s conduct “deeply disappointing and unacceptable,” saying assurances given to lawyers have been rendered meaningless.
“If the Chief Minister’s word carries no value, then what credibility remains with his government?” he said in a statement.
CoMSO raised questions over public expenditure linked to the AG’s office, alleging lack of transparency under RTI.
“What is the government trying to hide? Why should people be kept in the dark about how crores of rupees of public money are being spent on legal representation?” it asked.
The confederation questioned why the government relies on an “outsider” when Meghalaya has senior, competent local advocates capable of holding the post, and why the CM appears more concerned about protecting one individual than the credibility of government.
CoMSO said the confrontation has affected functioning of courts and ordinary citizens seeking justice are suffering, holding the government squarely responsible.
“Meghalaya is not the private domain of the Government, and public institutions cannot be run according to personal preferences,” Marak said, adding the CM’s silence is seen as deliberate protection of Amit Kumar over public accountability.
