SHILLONG, Sept 16: Opposition Voice People’s Party (VPP) on Monday urged the state government not to give permission for the controversial Gau Dhwaj Sthapana Bharat Yatra being proposed for October 2 saying that it could vitiate the peaceful harmony of the state.
In a letter to the chief minister Conrad K Sangma, VPP general secretary and Shillong MP Dr Ricky AJ Syngkon said, “Given the sensitive nature of our state’s social fabric, we strongly urge the government not to allow the yatra to take place. The safety, peace and unity of the people of Meghalaya must be the government’s top priority, and any event that threatens to disrupt these values should not permitted.”
“While we fully support and uphold the principle of freedom of religion, which is enshrined in our constitution, we are deeply troubled by the potential implications that such an event could have on the communal harmony of our state,” he said while adding that the VPP believes that the freedom to practice one’s faith is a fundamental right.
“However, if the practice of that freedom disturbs others or attempts to impose beliefs regarding what people should eat, how they should live, or what they should believe in, then such activities threaten the very fabric of our society. Meghalaya is a state known for its diversity, peace and mutual respect across communities. Any event that may cause unrest or provoke tensions among different communities should be approached with extreme caution,” urged the opposition party.
The VPP said that it was concerned that the proposed yatra could lead to division and disrupt the peaceful coexistence of communities in Meghalaya. “The social and cultural diversity of our state must be respected, and we cannot allow events that may seek to undermine or challenge this balance,” Syngkon stated.
According to him, such actions have the potential to create misunderstanding and resentment, which may eventually lead to communal disharmony.
