SHILLONG : The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) has extended warm greetings to the people of Meghalaya on the occasion of Shad Behdeinkhlam, while expressing strong reservations over the invitation extended to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Guest for the festival.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, VPP spokesperson Dr. AW Rani wished that the annual festival would continue to promote peace, unity, and communal harmony among the people of the state.
“The VPP extends its warm greetings to everyone celebrating Shad Behdeinkhlam. May this sacred festival bring peace, unity, and prosperity to our people,” Rani said.
However, the party said it would have appreciated if the organisers had refrained from inviting the Assam Chief Minister to the celebration.
“The VPP would have been more grateful to the organisers had they avoided inviting Mr. Himanta Biswa Sarma as the Chief Guest for the occasion,” the statement said.
Referring to the long-standing border issues between Meghalaya and Assam, the VPP alleged that Sarma has contributed to creating a sense of insecurity among residents living in the border areas.
The party further maintained that Shad Behdeinkhlam is a festival that represents Meghalaya’s rich cultural heritage, identity, and unity, and expressed hope that it would continue to reflect the sentiments and aspirations of the people of the state.