Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA)-II spokesperson, Dr. M Ampareen Lyngdoh, issued a stern caution on Tuesday to the cow vigilante committee, emphasizing the importance of respecting the state’s cultural values. She stated that anyone entering Meghalaya must “behave like a Meghalayan” and warned against creating disturbances or lawlessness.
“The law will take its own course of action, and the state government will not tolerate any form of lawlessness,” Dr. Lyngdoh declared, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining peace and order in the state.
She further elaborated, “We don’t care who comes or when they come, but if you are in Meghalaya, you will behave like a Meghalayan. You will respect our culture, our religion, and you will not cause any disruption. The law will take its action, and any attempt at lawlessness will be strictly disallowed.”
Dr. Lyngdoh spoke candidly about respecting cultural differences, stating, “My view is very simple. You have your own food habits and your own religion. For you, something might be acceptable, and for me, it might not be. Don’t force me to agree with you. When I go to Rome, I behave like a Roman—otherwise, I will perish. Similarly, in Meghalaya, appreciate our culture and respect the differences. We are all Indians, and no one debates that, but don’t force your culture on us. We have our own identity and will do things our way.”
In the same address, she referenced her own experiences, saying, “When I went to Delhi as a student, I learned Hindi because I knew I wouldn’t survive otherwise. But that doesn’t mean you can come to Meghalaya and force others to speak Hindi when it’s not necessary. If anything, it would be kind of others to also learn Khasi, Garo, or Jaintia.”
Meanwhile, the Gau Pratishtha Andolan has announced that Jagadguru Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand Maharaj will preside over the “Gau Dhwaj” installation on October 2. However, several NGOs and pressure groups in Meghalaya have urged the state government to block the Yatra from entering, citing concerns over cultural and religious sensitivities.
Addressing the growing tensions, Dr. Lyngdoh remarked, “I do not subscribe to this drama. Do not disturb the peace of Meghalaya. We are a peace-loving community, and we eat what we want. We don’t infringe on others’ territories, so please don’t infringe on ours. Do not create unnecessary tension, especially when the state is doing so well. Respect our culture, or the law will deal with you.”