The ruling Congress party in Meghalaya today said it will "investigate" into the "motives" behind the frequent visits to the state by the ministers of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
"We will analyse, assess and investigate into their intent and come up (with the results) at the right time and tell you," Chief Minister Mukul Sangma told reporters in reply to a query whether the visits of the Union ministers were also linked to "wooing voters".
"Are they paying from their own pockets? The fact is that the expenses are borne by the public exchequer. If they come, they must do justice to why they are coming here," he said.
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The chief minister cited an example of how a Union minister had recently failed to grant an audience to a delegation while visiting the state.
"They (Union ministers) did not have time. Why did they come in the first instance? You find out which Union minister I am referring to," Sangma said.
The north-eastern states, including Meghalaya, have witnessed a series of visits of Union ministers in the last one year.
Sangma said, "Meghalaya is one of the states that has
police organisation demonstrating its commitment to pursue such cases."
He rubbished reports that the Home Minister could in any way influence the investigation stating that, "in the true spirit of administration of justice, there is no scope for anybody to influence."
The chief minister also assured that there is a laid down procedure in case if that happens and that, he, as the Chief Minister, will be informed so that the government can take a call.
Meanwhile, after 11 arrests were made in the sex racket involving a 14 year-old-girl, woman ministers in the Congress-led government has also condemned the crime.
Labour Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh demanded that penalty should be the outcome of the 'expose'.
"If a crime is committed against a young girl, subsequently we expect that penalty against those involved should follow as per law of the land," she said.
Health Minister Roshan Warjri, who was formerly in charge of Home, demanded that the criminals involved be punished as it will serve as a deterrent to others.
Condemning the recent crime, Civil Defense Minister Deborah Marak on the other hand said that she is saddened that such crimes are taking place as reported from time to time in the state.
She said the victim deserves to be given justice at the earliest.
