Law and order back to normal, tourists can visit Meghalaya without fear: Deputy CM

Shillong, Aug 28 (IANS) Meghalaya’s deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, Prestone Tynsong, on Friday said that the law and order situation in the state had returned to normal and appealed to tourists to visit Shillong and other destinations without any apprehension.

Tynsong said the state government had directed district administrations to remain vigilant and take all necessary measures to ensure the safety of tourists entering or leaving Meghalaya. “We have already instructed all the concerned district administrations to be more alert and to make sure that the tourists coming in or going out from our state are safe and they enjoy the beauty of Shillong or the beauty of Meghalaya,” he said.

The Home Minister said adequate security arrangements had been put in place and urged visitors, particularly those planning trips to Shillong, not to be deterred by concerns over the recent developments. “I would like to personally encourage those tourists who intend to come down to Meghalaya, to Shillong especially; you feel free to come. We have already put in place all the safety mechanisms,” Tynsong said.

He also said the government had held discussions with the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and other stakeholders as part of efforts to address issues linked to the recent situation.

On legal proceedings arising from the incidents, the Home Minister said several First Information Reports (FIRs) had been registered and assured that further action would be taken in accordance with the law. “Let the law take its own course,” Tynsong said when asked about the matter, declining to make further comments.

Meanwhile, responding to questions about the resignation of senior National People’s Party (NPP) leader Dr Kharlukhi, Tynsong said the resignation of senior political leaders was not an unusual development. He noted that leaders sometimes leave political parties and join other political formations, describing such changes as part of the political process.

Tynsong, however, said he was personally disappointed by Kharlukhi’s decision, pointing out that he was among the founding members of the National People’s Party. “He was also one of the founders of the National People’s Party, but I can’t do anything about his resignation since he wanted to resign,” Tynsong said.

The state Home Minister maintained that Kharlukhi had taken the decision citing personal reasons and that the government could not intervene in the matter.

–IANS

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