Voice of the People Party (VPP) leader Batskhem Myrboh has questioned the Meghalaya government’s support for an upcoming gospel music concert in Shillong, arguing that the state should not extend official backing to religious events organised for a particular community.
Myrboh, the VPP candidate for the Shillong Lok Sabha bypoll, raised the issue in a social media post ahead of the December 12 concert featuring international gospel music collective Maverick City Music.
“It is wrong for the state to organise a religious function for one particular group. If it holds for one, it has to hold for every other group,” Myrboh wrote.
Pointing to India’s secular character, he added, “India, including Meghalaya, is supposed to be secular. Religion is best left to individuals and private parties.”
His remarks have triggered a debate on social media, with commenters expressing differing views on the government’s involvement in religious and community events.
Some questioned Myrboh’s criticism, arguing that the state had not created or promoted a religion but had merely recognised a community event. One commenter said that if such recognition was considered inappropriate, the same standard should apply to every religious function attended by public officials.