The controversy over an alleged drug cartel racket in Meghalaya has reached a new intensity. Accusations from the opposition Congress and TMC suggest that the NPP-led MDA 2 government may be benefiting from the illegal drug trade. In this heated environment, UDP leader and Cabinet Minister Kyrmen Shylla has stated that Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar should be removed from office if evidence proves his involvement in the cartel.
In his strong reply to the Opposition, the cabinet Minister further said if opposition parties targeting Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar with regards to the alleged drug cartel they may have prove with them, even as he maintained that though he don’t know who is right or who is wrong but justice should be prevail.
“I believe that those honourable members or even the public (who have made allegations) they have full proof against the Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar, the allegation against him but still I don’t know who is right who is wrong but I believe justice will be given to the public and I believe if he is really involve then he should be thrown away not only from the cabinet, I believe that in the state as a whole also he has no right because here we believe that drugs should not be entertained in our state,” The Cabinet Minister affirmed.
He further added, this applies not only to him but to anyone involved—a strong message must be sent that drugs will not be tolerated in Meghalaya.
When asked about the seriousness of the allegations, Shylla expressed his belief that the accusations against Dhar must be backed by solid evidence.
” When it comes to drugs, such allegations against any honourable member either in the opposition or in the ruling, I feel this is really is not correct but still I believe those people who says all these things against any honourable member or even a public I believe they have a proof,” the UDP leader remarked.
“If somebody within the House (Assembly) itself, or within the Government are involved that is totally wrong and even if the public doing it its totally wrong, the law is there to take action, let’s hope for the best that justice will be given to the people of Meghalaya,” he added.
Earlier, Vincent H Pala, President of the Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee, has alleged that the ruling NPP is using illegal funds generated from drugs and coal. Mukul Sangma, the Leader of the Opposition, has also announced his intention to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging action on these serious allegations. The growing calls for an investigation reflect an escalating political crisis in the state.
Shylla also mentioned that an awareness program on drug issues will be organized in East Jaintia Hills, highlighting the government’s commitment to tackling the drug problem.