‘Throw out Deputy CM Sniawbhalang Dhar from the cabinet or state if he’s involved in drugs: Kyrmen Shylla

Shillong, Sept 3: Cabinet Minister, Kyrmen Shylla, on Tuesday said Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar should be “thrown out of cabinet and if required from the state” if he is involved in drugs.

The United Democratic Party (UDP) legislator from Khliehriat was responding to recent allegations levelled by Congress state President Vincent Pala. Giving a strong statement, Shylla said, “I don’t know who is right or wrong …if he (Dhar) is really involved in drugs, he should be thrown away, not only from the cabinet, even the state. He has no right… drugs should not be entertained in Meghalaya.”

He was also of the opinion that if any legislator is making allegations against another legislator(s), then they must have some sort of proof to back their allegation. “I believe those people who give this allegation, I mean, who, you know, who say all these things that against any honourable member or even a public, I believe they have a proof,” he expressed.

Stating that a “strong message” should be sent to anybody who is involved in drugs, Shylla added that there should be a message of “no drugs in Meghalaya”. Both Shylla and Dhar are legislators from the Jaintia Hills region, however Shylla represents UDP whereas Dhar represents NPP.

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Shylla said that no allegations should be made without proof either by the public or members from the opposition, adding it’s one thing to make allegations on coal or liquor, but drugs is something serious.

“When it comes to drugs, such allegations against any member, whether in the opposition or the ruling party, are not correct. I believe that those making these accusations must have proof,” he said.

Informing that the state government is taking several initiatives to tackle drugs in the state, Shylla cited an example of an upcoming awareness programme on drugs to be organised by Presbyterian Church in East Jaintia Hills in collaboration with the government.

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However, such initiatives would come to naught if there are members from the assembly or the government involved in drugs. “If someone within the house or the government (or anyone from the public) is involved, that is totally wrong,” Shylla said.

The Minister said the law would take its own course and deal with such persons involved in drugs in the state. He made the statement after Pala accused the National People’s Party (NPP) of using illegal funds from “drug, coal, and contracts” to undermine other political parties.

Meghalaya has been waging a challenging battle to combat drug use. Social Welfare Minister, Paul Lyngdoh recently informed the House that the number of drug addicts in the state has increased by one lakh from last year and the number of drug addicts is now at 3 lakh.

Also Read: Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat chairs Tourism Meet in Shillong

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