SHILLONG, NOV 29: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said the state government is keeping a close watch on the law and order situation in the state.
“We are watching the law and order situation very closely and all our police personnel and entire government machinery is keeping a very strong watch on the law and order situation,” Sangma told reporters.
Stating that the situation is under control, the chief minister said, “But it doesn’t mean that we can be complacent so we will ensure that we are vigilant and keep monitoring the situation.”
Appealing to all to maintain peace and tranquillity in the state, Sangma said, “I also urge our citizens, elders, different civil societies, NGOs and all the people of Shillong and Meghalaya that this is an important phase for us and violence is not the way for us to move forward. We are not achieving anything by being violent as the people who are suffering are (our) own people and there is no reason for us to do that to make our people suffer. Hence, yes it is a difficult time but it is a time to work together and move forward.”
Asked on whether the MDA government is too soft in handling the law and order situation, the chief minister however said, “I want to say this that it is easier to give an order to shoot people and to use force. Let me tell you that very frankly that it is very easy but it is more difficult to understand and have the patience to listen, to resolve and to keep the larger interest while so much noise is being put up everywhere.”
He continued: “People can look at it from whatever way they wish. I have no problem with that. As for me, I have always kept my clear vision and my thoughts and for me peace and tranquillity in the state, the safety of our citizens, the overall growth of our state is paramount for me. Hence in this situation, yes there are challenges, we can look at it and work whatever way we want to, we could use force and we can make the situation even more complicated or we could have patience, listen or have dialogue, resolve, which is, let me tell you, sometimes is the more tougher way; we do that and I prefer doing that.”
