Shillong : Meghalaya Cabinet Minister Sanbor Shullai has strongly criticised the Voice of the People Party (VPP) for protesting the visit of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to the Behdeinkhlam Festival in Jowai, describing the protest as “embarrassing” and without justification.
Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the annual festival on Thursday as the chief guest at the invitation of Seinraij, Jowai. Shullai, along with the Deputy Chief Minister and local legislators, was also present at the event.
The minister said the VPP was wrong to link the Assam Chief Minister’s visit with the unresolved Meghalaya-Assam boundary dispute.
According to Shullai, while political parties, organisations and citizens have every right to raise concerns over the border issue, protesting against the participation of a chief guest at a cultural festival was inappropriate.
He further stated that the border dispute is already being examined by a government-appointed committee and any suggestions or objections should be submitted through the proper official channels.
Shullai also claimed that the VPP’s stand on the issue does not reflect the views of the people of Meghalaya.