Damas : Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Monday expressed concern over the growing spread of fake news and misleading narratives on social media, saying attempts were being made to wrongly discredit the work and achievements of the NPP-led government.
Speaking at a public programme in Damas, North Garo Hills, the Chief Minister said politically motivated misinformation was creating confusion among people and damaging meaningful public discussion.
Without referring to any specific post or individual, Conrad said a “new trend” had emerged where false or misleading claims were being circulated online to distort facts and undermine the government’s initiatives.
“There is a trend now where fake news and misinformation are being spread for political reasons. This is not healthy for public discourse,” he said.
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The Chief Minister also defended the government’s approach to handling criticism and public disagreement, stating that the NPP-led administration has chosen dialogue and restraint instead of using power against the people.
“We have maintained restraint in all situations because, for us, the people remain central to our agenda for development,” Conrad said. “We believe in discussions. We listen to the people instead of trying to silence different voices,” he added.
Referring to recent developments involving the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), the Chief Minister said the government had taken concrete decisions on issues that remained unresolved for years under previous administrations.
He pointed specifically to the decision making Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates mandatory for contesting GHADC elections, saying the move was aimed at protecting the interests and identity of indigenous communities. Conrad also said the government, together with the GHADC executive committee, had initiated steps to amend laws and address long-standing demands linked to electoral reforms within the council.
“A delimitation committee is now working towards creating a separate electoral roll for GHADC,” he said. The Chief Minister further highlighted various government initiatives related to infrastructure, healthcare, education, and youth development, claiming that public welfare continues to remain the administration’s priority.
He also said the government’s focus remains on development and addressing the needs of ordinary citizens rather than engaging in divisive political narratives online.
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