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.
Refrain from creating social media groups with party name: VPP
The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has urged people to avoid creation of social media groups in the name of the party without the permission from the office of the party.
In a statement, VPP spokesperson Dr Batskhem Myrboh said the party expressed its happiness for the growing support of the people who in the last few months a few have become enthusiastic to create different social media groups including WhatsApp groups using the name of the Party in one way or the other.
“However, it is strongly advised to avoid the creation of any social media group in the name of the Party without the permission from the Office of the Party,” he said.
He also said this advisory is issued in view of two reasons: first is the necessity to maintain strict discipline within the Party and second is to pre-empt the efforts of any anti-party element from creating confusion and division within the party and also to malign the image of the Party.
“It is strongly expected that such unofficial social media groups, if there are any, should be deleted and no new group should be created,” the party spokesperson said while adding that the party shall not take responsibility for any untoward incident arising from such unofficial groups.
“It is expected that the decision of the party is respected,” he added.
Landslide at Rngain: One body retrieved
Body of one of the two persons, who died after a landslide struck at Rngain under Pynursla Civil Sub-Division, has been retrieved today.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Sylvester Nongtnger informed that one body has been retrieved and efforts are on to retrieve the other one.
The landslide, which took place at Rngain along the Shillong-Dawki road on April 14 crushed and pushed the vehicle into a gorge.
The two deceased persons have been identified as Seiborlang Jaktung and K Kongjirem, who are both from Wahlyngkhat village.
Deputy Chief Minister in charge of PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynsong also immediately conducted a spot inspection to the place of occurrence. Tynsong while giving instructions to the NHIDCL officials was also heard saying “You don’t have brains or what”. He also called them “useless people”.