Separatist movements did not succeed in India: Tathagata Roy

Meghalaya Governor Tathagata Roy Saturday said the separatist movements did not succeed in India because they did not have the support of the majority.

He said this while addressing a get-together on harmony, organised by the Central Puja Committee (CPC) here.

"The majority of the people in this country want to live together; they did not want to be separated from India. We have been like that for the last 70 years and we will continue to remain united for all times to come," Roy said.

Roy also lauded the CPC for its initiative in bringing together people from different religious denominations, religious leaders and people of different ethnicities Khasi, Garo, Bengalis, Nepalese and others under one roof.

"This in a way is a manifestation of that mindset. The CPC has been able to bring here Christians, Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims. This itself is a great success and this reflects the greatest thing about this country which is unity in diversity," he said.

The leader of opposition and former chief minister Mukul Sangma said Meghalaya being a Christian state should show the way and should lead by example.

Quoting verses from the Bible, Sangma said that if one has learnt to love another he has fulfilled the law.

"This should be the strength for the state because love is a gift of God," he added.

The Congress leader said that the Central Puja Committee reminded that Meghalaya is just like a ship and urged people to come together and ensure that this ship does not sink.

He also said that the state should prosper.

According to him, all aspires to have peace, harmony and happiness.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Meghalaya State Planning Board (MSPB) chairman Lambor Malngiang and CPC president, Naba Bhattacharjee.