AIM against gambling in melas

The Awakening Indian Movement (AIM) has sought the intervention of the deputy commissioner of East Khasi Hills district to ensure a blanket ban on gambling at melas being organized by different agencies.

Speaking to media persons, chairman of AIM Bansharai Marbaniang said that many people from other part of the country come to Meghalaya to host various kinds of melas, however these melas have games that encourage gambling with money which is detrimental and have a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

Marbaniang alleged that melas throughout the country are being held in order to provide entertainment to all citizens where they can experience happiness especially for children, students, and youth but at present melas in Meghalaya are being held with gambling which have detrimental and a negative impact on the welfare of the people.

“During our visit to the mela held at the Parking Lot outside Polo Ground in Shillong, the mela hosted various gambling activities with money and young people and students in uniform participated in various gambling games” said Marbaniang.

Marbaniang said that AIM is not against organizing melas in the state, however it stands against the act of gambling that is being held at the venues hence the AIM sought the intervention into this matter.

2nd round of border talks likely in May

Meghalaya and Assam are likely to start the second round of border talks next month for finding an amicable solution to resolve the remaining six areas of difference between the two states.

Informing this today, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said, “Sometime in the month of May, we will try to initiate the first round of discussion or continue the next round of discussion of border talks. Let the time come, I expect that maybe in the month of May we will be able to see the next phase (of border talks).”

On March 24, the state government reconstituted the three Regional Committees to examine the present status of the remaining six areas of differences and submit their reports within 45 days.

The six areas of difference include Langpih in West Khasi Hills District; Borduar, Nongwah-Mawtamur, Deshdoomreah, Block-II in Ri Bhoi District; Block- I, Psiar – Khanduli in West Jaintia Hills District.

The two deputy chief ministers – Prestone Tynsong and Sniawbhalang Dhar – will head the regional committees for Ri Bhoi District and West Jaintia Hills District respectively while cabinet minister Paul Lyngdoh will be the chairman of the regional committee for West Khasi Hills District.