Nongpoh (Meghalaya),June 4 : The Chancellor of the University of Science & Technology, Meghalaya (USTM), Mahbubul Hoque has been accused of breaking the lockdown protocol by freely moving between Assam and Meghalaya in spite of the lockdown prohibiting inter-state movement.
This matter came to the fore after a complaint was filed by the Dorbar Shnong of Baridua village which has also urged the district administration of Ri Bhoi to take action against Hoque.
It may be noted that USTM is situated at Baridua village under Ri Bhoi district.
The Dorbar Shnong led by the headman of Baridua village, Augustine Nongrum submitted a letter of complaint against Hoque to the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Ri Bhoi, urging them for immediate action on the issue.
“We have never interfered in his movement earlier but now, with Covid-19 being such a concern, the entry and exit of outsiders is strictly prohibited and we have filed this complaint as we are strictly following the protocol issued by the government,” Nongrum said.
Nongrum also alleged that Hoque from time to time moves between Assam and Meghalaya without any transit pass issued by the government. “If such free movement is allowed, this places the lives of the local people at risk as they may be infected by Covid-19,” he added.
Lyngdoh also said that after the Dorbar Shnong voiced its opposition against Hoque’s movement between the two states, the latter has tried to frame the Dorbar Shnong by alleging that it is permitting the sale of liquor near the entry gate of the University. “However when a spot inquiry was conducted by Police, they found no truth to the allegation made by the Chancellor,” Nongrum asserted.
Meanwhile , The Ri Bhoi district magistrate has directed the Chancellor of the University , Mahbubul Hoque to refrain from entering the state without approval from the State Government.
Hoque was accused of breaking the lockdown protocol by freely moving between Assam and Meghalaya in spite of the lockdown prohibiting inter-state movement.
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