Mukul demands independent inquiry into use of illegal money by ruling NPP

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaSeptember 9, 2024

Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma on Monday reiterated his demand for an independent inquiry into the alleged use of illegal money collected from drugs, coal mining and contract works by the ruling National People’s Party (NPP).

Sangma’s demand was based on the allegation made by Congress chief and former Shillong MP Vincent H Pala that the NPP was using the illegal money to poach MLAs of other political parties.

“Any allegations, we cannot just shrug off. I don’t think the allegations need to be forgotten since allegations have come…Therefore, there has to be an independent inquiry towards that end to either convince ourselves that yes the allegations are not true or otherwise for what, for the purpose of protecting the interest of the people and the state otherwise it will become the order of the day. Anybody can throw an allegation and even if the allegations are true they can get away,” the former chief minister told reporters.

Asked, Sangma said, “It doesn’t matter but our approach will be very different. My job is to insist upon the Government of India to really go for an independent inquiry. I am very clear on that. What they say, what others say and how they try to defend themselves doesn’t matter for me, I will urge the government of India to investigate through an independent inquiry.”

Referring to an incident where a bridge collapsed in Garo Hills along with a truck loaded with sugar, he said, “Therefore, who should investigate these things as these are criminalities across the international border. There are many other inputs which I received as far as the international cross border criminalities are taking place. We have the privilege of being in the government for a long long time in different capacities. Now if any illegalities take place across international borders please be sure it is not confined to one particular activity. It goes beyond.”

He said that there is no room for complacency when it comes to illegalities along the international borders.

“Please be careful we are a frontline state bordering porous international borders, therefore there is no space for complacency as far as the response of Government of India is concerned on any issues pertaining to illegality across international borders. They cannot stay silent nor do I expect them to stay silent. I expect a prompt response and I have every reason to believe,” he stated.