Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 213/10

AGATHA VISITS WILLIAMNAGAR

Shillong, May 19, 2010: Minister for Rural and Development, Smt. Agatha K Sangma visited Williamnagar on 19th May 2010 and discussed the matter on implementing various schemes with Districts officer and the citation of Williamnagar at DRDA Hall Williamnagar. She was accompanied by her mother and other MDC of different Constituencies. The Union Ministry for Rural Development, Agatha K. Sangma said that East Garo Hills is advancing ahead and has been successful in implementing various schemes like NREGS and many more in comparison to the other Districts like West and South Garo Hills. She expressed her happiness for being able to visit Williamnagar in spite of her busy schedule. She also thanked the people of Williamnagar for electing her as the MP and for giving the opportunity to serve and work for the people of the Garo Hills. The meeting was chaired by local MLA, Shri. M. M. Marak who gave a welcome speech. Other people present in the occasion are Shri. M. K. Marak, Deputy Commissioner, Williamnagar, L. R. Ch. Momin, MDC, Tura, Former CEm, District Council, Shri. P. K. Sangma and local MDC, Shri. D. Sangma.

Press Release No. 214/10

DISTRICT MAGISTRATE CONVENED MEETING

Shillong, May 19, 2010: A meeting with the Rangbah Shnong of the different localities of Shillong with the representatives of different communities, the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills District, Sector Magistrates and Sector Police Officers was held in the Conference Hall of the office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District on 19.05.2010 at 5.00 p.m. While thanking the participants for their overwhelming response, the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District informed that the meeting was a culmination of the Police-Station Level meetings already taken by the Sector Magistrates and the Sector Police Officers concerned. It was unanumously resolved that East Khasi Hills District along with the entire State cannot afford any communal disturbance as this would adversely effect the common man, particularly the poor and marginalized sections of the society. Following detailed discussions, the meeting adopted the resolutions detailed below.

The Dorbar Shnong would be vigilant and alert and residents within their jurisdiction would not be allowed to indulge in activities which might create communal disharmony and disruption of public order.

Proposals would be initiated to temporarily curtail the timings for closing of licensed IMFL shops. Police patrolling in vulnerable areas would be intensified.

Quit notices are illegal. The Dorbar Shnong should be informed whenever a quit notice is received, orally or otherwise, by the person(s) receiving such notice. This does not debar persons from reporting the matter directly to the police for necessary action under the law. Mobile phone numbers of Police Officers were made available during the meeting.

On receipt of such information, the Rangbah Shnong should, ideally, verify the truth of the matter and if it is found to be without substance, should clarify accordingly to bring perspective, restore confidence and facilitate the return to normalcy.

Rumours have disastrous consequences. Rumour-mongering should not be encouraged. Reports have to be verified from reliable sources before they are passed on to anyone.

The media should be advised to exercise restrain and responsibility while reporting incidents that are likely to provoke tension between communities.

Press Release No. 215/10

CLARIFICATION FROM CM OFFICE

Dated Shillong, May 19, 2010: The attention of the Chief Minister, Meghalaya has been drawn to the news item in the Shillong Times dated 19th May, 2010 under the caption “Mukul – led delegation visits Ground Zero” and in the Telegraph dated 19th May, 2010 under the caption “Mukul sings peace tune”. In these news reports, the Chief Minister has been quoted referring to a particular community by name, thereby creating an impression which is not correct.

It may be clarified that during his interactions with the media, the Chief Minister, while referring to the alleged new settlement in Langpih area with the support of Assam Police, had not made mention of any particular community and has always been conscious of the need to avoid any statement which could be misinterpreted.

The Chief Minister’s office would also like to take this opportunity of reminding the media about the responsibility which they shoulder and the need to ensure balanced factual reporting so as not to incite any persons on communal or linguistic lines.