SHILLONG : The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) has strongly defended its stand on the controversial Umiam resort issue while hitting back at the Congress over allegations that the party was attempting to politicise the matter.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, VPP spokesperson Dr. Londoner Murphy Sohtun rejected the claims made by Congress leader Manuel Badwar, terming them misleading and dismissive of genuine public concerns. He asserted that the VPP had raised objections to the proposed project well in advance through official communication with the government and had also brought the issue to the Assembly.
Sohtun stated that despite these efforts, the government failed to engage in any constructive dialogue, and therefore it was unfair to label the party’s consistent stand as opportunistic. He further described such accusations as “dishonest and intellectually bankrupt.”
Reiterating the party’s position, he said that development should not come at the cost of Meghalaya’s values, environment, and social fabric. According to him, raising concerns about the possible impact of luxury tourism projects in sensitive areas like Umiam reflects responsibility rather than political opportunism.
The VPP also questioned the Congress’ stance on the issue, asking the party to clarify why it did not take a firm position when the matter was initially raised. Sohtun said that instead of making accusations, the Congress should introspect and provide clear answers to the public.
On the call for public mobilisation, he emphasised that it is rooted in democratic principles. He said that when institutions fail to adequately address public concerns, it becomes necessary for citizens to come together and make their voices heard.
He further urged all stakeholders, including the government and opposition parties, to recognise that the issue goes beyond politics and concerns the future of Meghalaya. He stressed that development must be sustainable, inclusive, and aligned with the aspirations of the people, rather than driven by short-term economic gains.