SHILLONG : Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai on Friday hit out at the Voice of the People Party (VPP) for objecting to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s visit to Jowai as chief guest for the Behdienkhlam festival, saying the party had unnecessarily dragged politics into a cultural celebration.
Himanta attended the festival on Thursday after receiving an invitation from Seinraij, Jowai. Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Shullai and other local legislators were also present.Reacting to the VPP’s criticism, Shullai said he was surprised by the party’s stand.
“We feel so embarrassed that the Prah party (VPP) opposed the visit of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as chief guest to witness the great festival of the Pnar community. I was also with him,” he said. Shullai said the Assam Chief Minister’s presence at the festival had no connection with the Meghalaya-Assam boundary dispute.
“I feel so funny that they alleged Himanta Biswa Sarma should solve the boundary issue. It has nothing to do with the border issue,” he said. He maintained that everyone has the right to express views on the border dispute, but said such concerns should be raised through the proper forum instead of targeting a cultural event. “Individuals, NGOs and political parties are free to raise any issue. But they should not protest his visit to the festival as chief guest because it is not connected with the border issue,” Shullai said.
He pointed out that a government committee is already handling the boundary issue and urged those with suggestions or objections to submit them to the authorities.
“If there are any suggestions or protests in writing, they can approach the government or the committee concerned,” he added.
Shullai further claimed that many people in Meghalaya did not agree with the VPP’s stand.
“We feel it is funny that a political party like the Prah has made such statements. It is not accepted by the people of the state,” he said.