Cabinet minister James PK Sangma has criticised the way the police handled the protest of contractual teachers last week, wherein the authorities used tear gas to prevent the protestors from reaching the Secretariat.
Sangma was cabinet minister in charge of the police, as Home Minister, until February 2020 when he was removed in place of Lahkmen Rymbui. Today, he seized the opportunity to indirectly criticise his successor.
The teachers had tried to march on the Secretariat on Thursday to demand their jobs back after having been let go in January last year.
“I think it is unfortunate to see any kind of force used, not only on teachers but any section of the society that wants to peacefully protest. It should not have happened,” Sangma said.
Rymbui has received much criticism, even from within his own party, over the incident but has so far refused to take moral responsibility for it.
On another issue that has captivated the public, Sangma said that he will set up a meeting with church leaders to discuss the controversial matter of gambling.
The Khasi Jaiñtia Christian Leaders Forum, an inter-denominational group, has been calling for the complete repeal of the Regulation of Gaming Act 2021. The government has been reluctant to do this, although it has decided not to go ahead with its planned introduction of casinos in the state.
“I appreciate the concern of the forum and, as a government, it is very important to listen to the voice and concern of the groups that represent the church. We will set up a meeting to discuss this issue with them and to see how we can take things forward,” the Taxation Minister said.
Meanwhile, despite also holding the role of Health and Family Welfare Minister, Sangma was reluctant to address the worry that many doctors are leaving NEIGRIHMS for greener pastures, saying that he cannot comment as the institute is run by the central government.
