Tourism forum wants prompt action on FKJGP rally violence

Shillong, Oct 30: The Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum (MTDF) has urged the state government to take immediate action and apprehend the perpetrators of Friday’s violence at a rally called by the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People (FKJGP) over unemployment.

In a statement issued on Sunday, MTDF chairman Larsing Sawyan said, “Confidence in the law and order machinery needs to be restored and the public needs to be given reassurance that such blatant acts of defiance against the order of law and civility will not go unpunished.”

He said the forum also requested the FKJGP to help identify the members who committed the acts of violence against the innocent people.

Stating that the perpetrators of Friday’s senseless and inhumane acts are the biggest enemies of the people of Meghalaya and they have brought great shame to the people, Larsing said, “Such incidents bring about immeasurable damage to our state.”

He said with the advent and progressive evolution of communication and digital technology, “we today live in a world of seamless communication and transfer of information”.

“The violence perpetrated on Friday, therefore, was not only recorded but shared across the state, region and country,” he added.

Larsing regretted that Meghalaya and the Meghalayans, particularly the indigenous population, have all been painted in poor light.

“It’s an irony that a rally meant to address unemployment actually resulted in an atmosphere that damages the state’s economy and image, thereby promoting an atmosphere that hampers job creation and economic growth. The FKJGP president has apologised for the incident and we applaud him for having the leadership to accept the gross mistakes of his members.

“However, the abuse and violence afflicted on innocent citizens of the country is a criminal act and it is an incident that has damaged the goodwill of the Khasi and Jaintia people,” he said, adding, “It is also an act that has severely compromised the economic potential of the state, particularly in the sector of tourism,” the entrepreneur, who is also the owner of Centre Point hotel in Shillong.

Larsing said dissent and protests are healthy for a vibrant democracy but in today’s day and age, they need to be done in a manner befitting of the modern world we live in. Henceforth, we hope that all NGOs will work towards addressing their issues in a constructive and peaceful manner.

“The power of dialogue, community solidarity and non-violence is what gave this great nation its independence 75 years ago. Why do we need to resort to archaic methods and activities as a means to address our issues that are now consigned to the back pages of history in most societies worldwide,” he questioned.

MTDF requested the support of all community organisations and NGOs in the state to work unitedly towards promoting an atmosphere of peace irrespective of our internal differences.

Also read: Media, civil society groups & citizens condemn FKJGP violence

FKJGP rally against unemployment turns violent

Police, administration talk tough, FKJGP chief apologises for violence