Staff Reporter

Shillong, Jan 21: The state BJP has stated today that the invitation to visit Ram Temple was as per convenience and not for inauguration. 

In a statement, the BJP said a recent news article seems to suggest that some political and religious leaders of Meghalaya have “skipped” the Shree Ram Temple invitation which was extended by the state BJP (not the PM as wrongly reported).

“State BJP makes it clear that the invitation was for visiting the newly constructed Shree Ram Temple, as per the invitees’ convenience, and not for the inauguration per se as no date was mentioned. It is important to note that the invites were readily accepted whole heartedly. Moreover the inauguration event has been advance blessed by every prominent citizen of the state,” it said. 

The statement said all BJP Chief Ministers, Union Ministers, State Ministers and all leaders of the party and karyakartas have been directed to witness the historic and Revered event LIVE from places of worship in their respective areas on the 22nd of January 2024. 

Everyone will visit the Shree Ram Temple at a later date of their own choice, the same holds true for Meghalaya as well.

“BJP Meghalaya is of the opinion that such reporting, as has been carried out by one newspaper, is an attempt to vitiate the atmosphere during a momentous occasion and an effort to distort facts. The newly constructed Shree Ram Temple at Ayodhya has an ancient significance and holds a special place in the consciousness of a vast majority of Indians. Such an article is an attempt to paint a picture that Meghalaya doesn’t subscribe to the sentiments of a certain community and is separate from rest of the country. This is particularly sad considering people of various faiths and myriad cultures have always resided in the state in harmony, enjoying each other’s company. BJP Meghalaya fervently appeals that such biased reporting be stopped immediately,” it said.

Staff Reporter

Shillong, Sept 21: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today said the government has increased manpower along the inter-state border following the alleged formation of a new militant group called United People’s Front of Karbi Longri (UPFKL).

Replying to a call attention moved by UDP MLA from Mokaiaw Nujorki Sungoh, Sangma said though reports are coming in but there is no specific intel or specific complaints by any of the people that they have received extortion notes (served by the UPKFL)

“(However), based on newspaper clippings on the formation of the new militant outfit, we have increased our manpower in the border areas,” he said.

He said that a letter had also come to the government from the Jaintia Students Movement (JSM) on the matter based on which actions have been taken adding that the government, the police and the district administration are working tirelessly to ensure peace prevail in the border areas.

Sangma said that the concerns expressed by the members are very important. The history of Block I and II is aware that for administrative convenience the transfer of Block I and II was done. This is very much available with the Government of Meghalaya, the Government of Assam and the Government of India.

“Keeping all these in mind, we have started engaging with the Government of Assam and Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). I will refrain to go into the discussion and how we are moving forward. For the first time never we have seen this kind of efforts taken by the Government of Assam and Government of Meghalaya (to resolve the issue of boundary dispute),” he said.

Informing that the two States will be meeting in the first or second week of October for another round of talks, the chief minister said, “There will be a special focus given to Khanduli, Psiar, Block I and Block II keeping in mind the slight tension prevailing out there.”

On Sungoh’s request for the construction of the road from the Khatkhasla and Mojem area, Sangma said, “I have spoken to the deputy chief minister who informed that the detailed project report (DPR) is in the preparation stage. So action has been taken. But if any portion of the road comes under the disputed areas, some complications could come up.”

With regard to the request for setting up of a primary health centre at Psiar and Moolber, Sangma said these are areas which fall under the areas of difference but the government will ensure that the people don’t suffer.

He said that even previous governments have also tried to focus on this matter to ensure development activities do not stop.

“We are trying to find out a solution in the long run to this and we are aware of the difficulties that are there in the area and many projects are being taken up,” Sangma said while assuring to examine all proposals given by the MLA.

“Regarding the new militant outfit, official complaints have not come to us in the form of FIRs. Intelligence reports have also not come to us and we are relying on newspaper clippings (about the arrest of two members of the militant group). But we don’t take anything lightly. We are taking things seriously to ensure protection required is given to our people,” the chief minister assured regarding the new outfit, officials’ complaints have not come to us in the form of FIR. intelligence reports have not come to us we are relying on the newspaper – two arrested – but we don’t take anything lightly we are taking things seriously to ensure the protection required is given to our people.

Earlier, Sungoh had alleged that the intention of the new militant group was to create fear among the Khasi-Pnar people living in teh disputed Block I on the border between West Jaintia Hills and West Karbi Anglong specifically in the Elaa Labang-Nongphyllut-Pangam Raliang area.