SHILLONG: Political tensions in Meghalaya escalated on Monday after Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong strongly dismissed the Opposition’s demand for the Chief Minister’s resignation following the deadly dynamite explosion in East Jaintia Hills.
Breaking his silence on the issue, Tynsong described the Voice of People Party’s (VPP) demand as a “political stunt” aimed at gaining mileage from the tragedy.
“Anyone can make demands. Tomorrow, they may even demand that Prestone Tynsong resign. This is purely political,” he told reporters. “What matters is that this government is taking full responsibility to ensure such illegal activities are crushed immediately.”
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His remarks came in response to the VPP’s strong criticism of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) government, which it held responsible for the incident that claimed 27 lives and left nine others injured.
The Opposition party accused the government of serious administrative failures, alleging that illegal mining networks continue to operate unchecked despite repeated warnings and past tragedies.
According to the VPP, the incident reflects systemic governance failure, claiming that the government has lost control over law and order. It also pointed to lack of political will, alleging that illegal mining syndicates operate with impunity. It also described the blast as a tragic exposure of the administration’s inability to protect citizens.
The party has demanded accountability at the highest level and called for immediate corrective measures to prevent further loss of life.
