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.

Synshar files nomination, confident of victory

Candidate of the United Democratic Party (UDP) Synshar Kupar Roy Lyngdoh filed his nomination today and expressed confidence to win the Sohiong seat in the upcoming election slated to be held on May 10.

Synshar was accompanied by UDP chief Metbah Lyngdoh, party leaders and supporters at the Deputy Commissioner’s office.

The election in Sohiong was adjourned following the demise of his uncle and former home minister and contesting candidate of the UDP, (L) HDR Lyngdoh on February 20.

Synshar will be contesting against NPP’s Samlin Malngiang, who resigned as HSPDP MLA ahead of the 2023 Assembly polls.

Speaking to media persons, Synshar said, “Today is a special day and also an acute moment of nostalgia remembering my uncle late HDR Lyngdoh who was here two months ago filing his nomination papers. He was a popular figure and a legend in this field. His death is a big loss to the family to the party to the state.”

“I am here as his replacement. I am here as a continuation of his work and his legacy,”  he added.

Expressing confidence to win the Sohiong seat, Synshar said, “One important thing the people of Sohiong constituency are praying every day and wants to produce a lawmaker and not just a legislator, a legislator who will speak in the Assembly, a legislator who will voice out the people’s pain and grief. The youth are angry, people are watching. I am being watched as I speak. Serious bills and subjects are being moved in the Assembly like in the last session.”

He continued: “We need intellectuals to speak and debate for better laws, for the betterment, for the future, for the security, for the safety and for the welfare of the people of the constituency and the state and also for ‘jaidbynriew’.”

The UDP candidate refused to comment on the performance of the former MLA Samlin Malngiang and said, “I am looking at myself, I am confident that I will win this election.”

“My uncle had stated that he will repair the damage done by the ex-MLA and I too will be a continuation of his work, I will carry forward his legacy,” he said.

HYC seeks action against culprits involved in ‘harassment’ of church leaders

The Hynñiewtrep Youth Council (HYC) today demanded from the state government to take up the matter with the government of Bihar to punish those who were involved in manhandling two religious leaders from the state.

Speaking to media persons, HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin said that it is unacceptable for certain groups in Bihar to manhandle two religious leaders from Meghalaya as the constitution of India allows any religion to go for any religious activity.

Kharjahrin said that in Meghalaya every religion be it Christians, Hindu or Muslim has their own rights to do their own activity and nobody has ever interfered hence, the same spirit should be upheld and accepted in all parts of India.

“The constitution of India has given a religious right to all the people to go for any religious activity and there is no law yet to stop this, so we request the government of Meghalaya to pursue the matter with the government of Bihar so that those who were involved in manhandling two religious leaders from the state should be a book as per law,” said Kharjahrin.

Kharjahrin said that the HYC also demanded from the Home Ministry government of India to ensure that this should not happen in the future and it should ensure the safety and security of all religious communities across the country.

On the other hand leaders of the HYC urged that people of the state to not respond irresponsibly to such reports without knowing the full side of the story as it might lead to misunderstanding among other communities.

Church Leaders Forum expresses concern

The Khasi Jaintia Church Leaders’ Forum (KJCLF) has expressed concern about the situation in Bihar where a Christian Pastor and a Church elder from Shillong had encountered some incidents of hostility and aggression which could have put them in grave danger.

“We initiated prayers and intercessions for their welfare and safety and are thankful that no harm has befallen on them as we also received information that they are returning back home,” Secretary of the Forum Rev Dr Edwin H Kharkongor said in a statement here.

He said the KJCLF denounces the perpetration of violence against the Christian Mission workers, and expresses its appreciation to those responsible in the administration of both the States for the efficient communication between them and sorting the situation out in proper manner.

Meanwhile, the Forum also appealed to social media users to restrain from spreading news which has the propensity to provoke unwanted reactions.

Moreover, in supporting the work and services of Churches and Christian Mission organisations, the Forum also called on all concerned to be aware of local prevailing situations while fulfilling their mission work in other parts of the country.

When two days ago Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited a Christian place of worship on Easter Sunday the Forum appealed to those in authority in the country to see that peace and harmony prevail in society.