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.
Govt worried about heat wave
Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Thursday said the heat wave is a concern for the state government.
“Right now we are worried about the heat wave. We are now trying to focus on what the government should do to address this heat wave that is enveloping several parts of our state,” Lyngdoh told reporters.
She informed that the health department has sent advisories to the deputy commissioners (DCs) to send to the schools and institutions to ensure children do not expose themselves unduly to sunshine and outdoor activities.
Stating that the situation so far is under control, Lyngdoh said, “We have not got any report that is alarming in any kind so we would like to make sure that the state of Meghalaya has the heat wave effects under control.”
“We have done well by advising schools in certain parts of the state to shut down for the next two-three days as precautionary measures,” she added.
Heat wave necessitates school closure
In view of the prevailing heat wave and to ensure the safety of the students all educational institutions located around Dangar Area under Mawsynram Block will remain closed.
These schools will close from April 21, 2023 for a week, or until further orders, an order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district today.
The order also said that out-door activities in all schools in East Khasi Hills are to be kept in abeyance until further orders
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.