In a frank and wide-ranging interview, Member of Parliament Saleng A. Sangma laid bare his concerns regarding the state of Meghalaya, offering a sharp critique of government spending priorities, the burgeoning drug crisis, and the need for a fundamental shift in political mindset.
The conversation, titled “Don’t comedy me…” Saleng’s reply to query on Festivals, serves not just as a policy discussion but as a personal testament to his challenging journey from poverty to power.
From Servant to Statesman: A Personal Journey
Saleng Sangma began by recounting a difficult childhood, marked by separation and hardship. Raised by his uncles and grandmother after his parents parted when he was around five, he was forced to fend for himself early on, working as a servant in multiple homes and later as a waiter and cleaner in a small hotel.
“I stayed as a servant for another one year in the class five and then after class five I run away,” he recalled, emphasizing that despite his circumstances, he never abandoned his education. His determination was evident even in college, where he had to request the principal to exclude him from the mandatory 90% attendance rule because he was working to support himself and his family.
Despite his deep-seated “hate politics” sentiment at the start of his career, his entry into public life was driven by witnessing the severe backwardness of his constituency. He ultimately realized that politics is not an optional evil, but the “oxygen we require in every angle” and the “backbone of the society,” leading him to believe that only through politics could he lend a hand to more people.
The Broadening Scope: From MLA to National Figure
Transitioning from a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) to a Member of Parliament (MP) represented a significant shift in his focus, one he described as a “huge difference”. As an MP, his responsibilities now extend beyond his constituency to include national and even international issues.
This broader perspective informed his views on tribal affairs across India, noting that almost 70% of the country consists of people categorized as ACST (Aboriginal, Castes, and Scheduled Tribes).
He also addressed national security and foreign policy, advocating for a concrete border fence with Bangladesh. He argued this measure would be a long-term economic strategy, saving the “huge money” currently spent on finding, jailing, and deporting illegal immigrants.
A State at Risk: The Drug Epidemic and HIV Threat
The MP reserved his most urgent and alarming comments for the state’s escalating drug and health crisis, specifically the nexus between rising substance abuse and HIV.
He described Meghalaya as becoming a “drug zone area”, citing government data suggesting over three lakh citizens are already addicted to drugs. The MP then delivered a stark warning about the future: with 20-30% of youths aged 15-29 already testing HIV positive, he fears the state, with its population of around 30-39 lakhs, “will be obliviated after 20 to 30 years”.
He lamented the situation, asking, “How the hell our state has become the drug zone area?” and expressing sadness that Shillong, once known as the “Scotland of the East” and a destination hub, is now associated with the drug trade.
Furthermore, he questioned the government’s sincerity in combating the issue, noting the severe lack of proper government-run rehabilitation centers (rehabs) in the state. He argued that the crisis is fueled by unemployment and a lack of recreational or positive engagement opportunities for young people.
The Festival vs. Development Debate: “Don’t Comedy Me”
Perhaps the most viral-worthy moment of the interview came when the MP was asked about the government’s high spending on entertainment and festivals. When confronted with the government’s justification that spending 20 crores yields 50 to 80 crores in return, his reply was immediate and unequivocal: “Don’t comedy me”.
He dismissed the notion, arguing that the alleged financial returns were “going to their pockets only,” not benefiting the public.
While he is not against entertainment, he demanded a proper balance, cautioning against a political strategy reminiscent of the Roman Empire, where the populace is kept complacent with entertainment while other vital areas are ignored. He insisted the government must simultaneously focus on the “productivity of our young unemployed” and balance the “growth of our youth” with the state’s entertainment calendar.
Security, Railways, and Systemic Failures
The MP also weighed in on the contentious issue of railways in Meghalaya, where protests persist in the Khasi and Jaintia Hills. He supported the concerns of the NGOs, stating their worries about security are “very very correct”.
He pointed out the existing security vacuum, noting that even at the Mandipathar station, there are no ticket collectors or proper security. For him, development cannot be pursued by “sacrificing our own people”.
Finally, regarding the demand for mechanisms like the Inner Line Permit (ILP), he argued that the issue isn’t just about obtaining a new law. He asserted that even if ILP were implemented tomorrow, it would be ineffective if the government cannot properly enforce existing laws like the Labor Act or the Residential Act. He concluded that any system must be “systematically run” and disciplined.
A Final Plea for Faith and Truth
Wrapping up his powerful message, the MP offered a simple yet profound plea to the citizens of Meghalaya: “Put God first, pray and seek for the truth”. He expressed hope that by doing so, the collective burden on society would be heard, and the state’s current crises could be transformed.
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