SHILLONG : Cabinet Minister and South Shillong MLA Sanbor Shullai has accused the Joint Action Committee (JAC) opposing the Shillong Peak Ropeway Project of bringing outsiders and members of rival political parties to disrupt a meeting convened to discuss the controversial project.

Describing the protest as a “political game”, Shullai alleged that the JAC deliberately brought people from outside his constituency to create disturbances during the meeting of the South Shillong Advisory Committee, which he chairs.

Shullai said the meeting was specifically convened for 26 organisations from South Shillong, including Dorbar Shnong and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“The meeting I convened was for 26 organisations, including Dorbar Shnong and local NGOs, but the JAC invited and brought in people from outside,” he alleged.

He claimed that several women present at the meeting identified themselves as residents of Nongmensong, Malki, Lawsohtun and Polo, areas he said were outside his constituency.

According to Shullai, their presence indicated an attempt to create problems rather than participate in a constructive discussion on the project.

“As local MLA, I do not mind, but there are many instigators. This is a political game, politically motivated by members of various political parties,” he said.

Asked about the alleged political affiliations of JAC members, Shullai referred to Kong Venetia Mawlong, an executive member of the committee, who had contested the 2023 Assembly elections as a Congress candidate.

He also mentioned another JAC member from Lawsohtun, identified by the surname Rynjah, who had contested the MDC elections on a KHNAM ticket, alleging that several others were associated with different political parties.

On allegations that there was an attempt to manhandle him while he was leaving the meeting, Shullai did not directly confirm the incident but referred to videos circulating on social media showing confrontations involving protesters, Dorbar Shnong representatives and headmen.

Despite the opposition to the ropeway project, the South Shillong MLA expressed confidence about his electoral prospects, predicting an even bigger victory in the next Assembly election.

“At the end of the day, in the last election I won by a margin of 13,000 votes. In the next election, I will win by more than 20,000 votes,” he declared.

Defending the proposed Shillong Peak Ropeway Project, Shullai maintained that the Raid Laban Dorbar Pyllun had earlier supported it, primarily because of the employment and economic opportunities it could generate for local residents.

He said the project could create both technical and non-technical employment opportunities, besides providing avenues for local entrepreneurs to establish shops and stalls.

Shullai also argued that the ropeway would benefit local taxi operators and boost tourism, citing similar projects in other parts of India and abroad.

However, acknowledging the growing opposition surrounding the project, he said the final decision on its future now rests with the Government.

“Now I think the government has to review how to go ahead with the project,” he said.