Opposition MLA Adelbert Nongrum today brought a zero hour notice in the assembly on the death of a newborn baby during a traffic jam caused by a fishing competition at Pamphyrnai in Ksehkohlong village, located close to the Shillong-Nongstoiñ highway.
Nongrum has sought answers on what action is being taken against the West Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner for granting permission to the fishing competition without ensuring law and order and the Superintendent of Police for allowing police personnel to engage with the organises in prize distribution while being absent from traffic management and crowd control.
He said such events can be put on hold in all districts of the state until the government comes up with proper regulation so that no more untoward incidents that endangers public health and safety takes place.
The MLA also sought clarification if the government is aware of the adverse impact that fishing competitions has on families. He said rural households are being addictively attracted to prize money of around Rs 50 lakhs in each event, while having to shell out Rs 2000 to Rs 3000 rupees as entry fees, in such events held almost every Saturday.
Nongrum said the fishing competitions perhaps have not generated revenue for the government.
