Oppn parties critical of Meghalaya govt on law and order

Oppn parties critical of Meghalaya govt on law and order

Opposition political parties today accused the Congress-led Meghalaya United Alliance government for deteriorating law and order situation in the state.

"There is no mention in the budget speech about the plan outlay for 2014-15 which shows the lack of seriousness on the part of the state government to tackle the law and order problem in the state," National People's Party (NPP) MLA James K Sangma said during the Assembly session here.

Stating that there was no clear policy or direction on the matter, he said, the state government never talks on how to tackle militancy-related problems.

Participating in the budget discussion, Sangma said the government had only mentioned about raising a Special Force and the government expected the move would instill a sense of security among the people, adding it only shows that the state government was least bothered to solve the problem.

Quoting the budget document which had stated "It makes sense to spend more on maintenance of law and order so that development can take place," the NPP leader said, "Does this mean the government need to spend more on the Chief Minister... Around 200 police personnel were deployed along the route during the CM's visit to Garo Hills."

Taking part in the discussion, Hill State People Democratic Party (HSPDP) vice-president Ardent Basaiawmoit demanded the state government's reply on the alleged politician-militant nexus.

"It is always alleged that many politicians during elections use the services of militant groups," Basaiawmoit said adding "If the allegations turns out to be true, I demand the government to come clean on this issue."

United Democratic Party (UDP) member and Leader of Opposition Donkupar Roy said the state government should ensure that the police get better weapons.

Roy lamented that health services in the state was inadequate and said infant mortality rate in the state was at 55 per cent in 2010.

On the education sector, he stressed the need to set up of a government law college in the state.