Sangma to complain to PM for NCP''s "distasteful behaviour"

Shillong, Jan 12 (PTI) Taking strong exception tocomments made by NCP leaders in the wake of ethnic violence,Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma today said instead ofcriticising the government, they should coordinate with theadministration in quelling the violence.

"Instead of coordinating with the government inrestoring normalcy, the union minister of state Agatha Sangmais moving around and criticising the state government which isunexpected of a union minister," Sangma said here at a mediabriefing.

He said he would write to Prime Minister MammohanSingh about this "distasteful behaviour of the UnionMinister".

"They (Agatha, her father P A Sangma and Oppositionleader Conrad Sangma) are moving around in the disturbed areasto take advantage of the situation to further their politicalinterests. They have even gone to the affected areas againstthe advice of the administration," the chief minister said.

Sangma was reacting to statements by NCP leaders thatthe state government had failed to handle the situation and itwas because of the initiative of the NCP that the Centre hadsent forces and a Home Ministry team to visit the areas.

"The chief minister has not only failed to visit GaroHills in the past few days but also tried to stake claims thecredit for the swift moves taken by us," Opposition leader andP A Sangma''s son Conrad had said yesterday.

"Are they competing with the state government? Do theywant to get mileage? They should know where they belong. It isindicative of their desperation. They should desist fromplaying politics at this critical juncture," an angry chiefminister shot back today.

He also urged all political leaders to join hands withthe administration in restoring normalcy in the violence-hitareas.

Few days back, NCP leaders had visited the affectedareas of Goalpara in Assam, where they were gheraoed by a mob,prompting the security forces to fire in the air and resort tolathicharge.