Shillong, Sep 4: Cabinet minister Ampareen Lyngdoh has welcomed the Meghalaya High Court’s landmark judgment, discharging her from alleged irregularities in a teacher recruitment case registered in way back in 2008.
Expressing her gratitude to the judicial system, Lyngdoh said, “This country and nation will always fight for justice, and this is the justice I get today.”
The former education minister and two officials were accused of manipulating score sheets to favour certain candidates in the selection process for assistant teachers in lower primary schools.
“Lots of water under the bridge. I have suffered so much for 17 long years,” the minister said while addressing a press conference following the verdict.
Expressing her relief, she said, “Today I remember my late mother. I told Mom I didn’t do it but she was constantly pressured. She is no longer here to enjoy this beautiful day. I remember my late brother RG Lyngdoh, who despite everything, always told me that if you have not done it you will continue your service to the people.”
She thanked her family, supporters, and legal team, including Senior Advocate Salman Khurshid, for standing by her throughout the ordeal.
Remembering her father, she said, “The name of Mr Peter Garnette Marbaniang is not in any way compromised. We are a family that upholds justice and that will service the people of the state to the best of our capacities.”
Lyngdoh also thanked her supporters for believing in her and voting her back to office despite the allegations. Stating that she would pray for those who wrongly accused her, she said, “God will grant me the grace to forgive each and everyone of you”.
“I am thankful to God and the Catholic church and the priests who continuously pray for my peace of mind… I am so sorry this case took shape the way it did, so sorry for the time that is wasted of all people who have become victims of this so-called white ink case,” she added.
