CM to Ngos: Call off stir before dialogue

Shillong, November 1: Even as chief minister Mukul Sangma appealed to pro-ILP ngos to take advantage of the ‘space’ provided for the public consultation process on the draft Meghalaya Regulation of Landlords and Verification of Tenants Bill, he however reiterated the state government stand that it would initiate “talks” with the agitating ngos only if they stop all their agitational programmes.

Sangma told reporters on the sideline of the launching of the government’s public consultation process on the draft Meghalaya Regulation of Landlords and Verification of Tenants Bill on Friday “It is something which I want to send as a clear message. Therefore let them discuss among themselves, let them have their internal exercise and we will look forward for their ‘inputs.”

Sangma also said the government will wait for certain inputs, and wants the ngos to be sincere in their parts as well. He said “Whatever has happen in the past where pressure groups have take law into their hands should be a thing of the past.”

Reacting to the query of FKJGP willingness to have dialogue with the government to break the ILP impasse, Sangma said, “We have to examine as to who is saying that whether it is coming from all of them, that is what is required to be examine from the government.”

Stating that process of public consultation has been formally launched, Sangma said this in itself is a reflection of the ‘space’ which is available for all concerned and this space must be utilize by all concern including the pressure groups. He asserted, “I have always maintained that there is a mechanism which is in the spirit of democracy which must be availed by all concerned.”

Sangma said the state government also expects the pressure groups to be matured enough to be more constructive, to be productive and keep in mind the interest of the state as a whole and its future. He was of the opinion that there is a need to engage productively without indulging in certain activities which are not as per provision of the law.

Sangma said, “That is the only concern which they have to fulfill.” He also said that the process of public consultation to engage all stakeholders across the state gives enough time to the ngos to call off their agitations programmes. He felt the ngos should start engaging themselves in taking advantage of this space of consultation and engagement so that at the end of the day the ideas which are there can emerge and find place in the proposed legislative measure.- By Our Reporter