Christian leaders have lashed out at the government for granting three licenses for setting up of casinos in the state stating its lie have been exposed.
“The government has unashamedly exposed its blatant lie to the general public and different organisations including Church and Christian leaders, when in previous occasions it has stated that it will not go ahead with this as yet,” the church leaders under the banner of the Khasi Jaiñtia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) said.
The church leaders who also held a meeting on the issue yesterday said the casino industry will promote a plethora of crime and illicit activities.
“The government has demeaned and degraded the thousands of domestic tourists who throng the State regularly by stating that the casino industry will attract niche tourism and tourists of high worth,” KJCLF secretary Rev EH Kharkongor said.
While the taxation Minister has stated that the local residents will benefit only from the footfall of this industry, the leaders said, this relegates the local contexts and populace only to the fringes.
“With a concern for the future and safety of our young men and women, different Churches and concerned organisations in the state, and the general public should condemn this act of the present Government,” the KJCLF said.
