Shillong, Aug 25: The Congress has accused the State government of “profiteering” from illicit drug trade stating it has no intention to end the menace of drugs in the State.
AICC Secretary Matthew Antony said, “They are destroying the youth of Meghalaya for personal gain. If the state has control over law and order, why can’t they end this drug chain unless they too are beneficiaries?”
The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) at a press conference on Monday raised concerns about rising drug abuse, poverty, and alleged corruption in the state.
Antony also questioned Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s recent claim that Meghalaya is one of the fastest-growing states in the country. “The only growth we see is in drugs and corruption. If the government talks about development, let them show which industries have benefitted local people,” he said.
Tura MP Saleng A Sangma said drug trafficking has worsened in Meghalaya after the Manipur crisis, with traffickers shifting their routes through the state.
He alleged that the government lacks the political will to act. “If they want, they can finish this drug network in a week. But instead of catching drug mafias, they are harassing innocent people. The government is not serious,” Sangma said.
The leaders highlighted the link between drug abuse and the rise of HIV cases in Meghalaya. Sangma said the government was acting too late. “Why wait for families to be destroyed before acting? Prevention should have started long back,” he said.
On poverty and economic growth, Congress Secretary Manuel Badwar pointed out that nearly 30–35 per cent of Meghalaya’s people still live below the poverty line and many earn less than Rs 5,000 per month. “Growth is only for a few, while ordinary people suffer. The poor are struggling while the rich get richer,” he said.
The Congress leaders urged the government to tighten border security, use modern surveillance tools, and take strong steps to stop drug trafficking and corruption. They said the state’s youth and families are at risk if urgent measures are not taken.
