Shillong, May 3: The Khasi Jaintia Christian Leaders Forum (KJCLF) on Monday demanded the state government to repeal the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act 2021.

The decision was taken at a meeting held recently at the premises of the All Saints Cathedral.

Opposing the government’s move to legalize gambling in the state, the KJCLF said studies have shown that legitimisation of gambling is detrimental to the society in more ways than one.

“The KJCLF urges the Government to seriously consider these aspects and repeal the Meghalaya Regulation of Gaming Act 2021,” it said.

“Gambling can have negative effects on quality of life. Gambling can increase criminality in several ways – through illegal acts such as forgery, fraud, robbery and murder to finance one’s gambling habit. There are increasing opportunities for illegal activities and the creation of venues for alcohol-related offences, flesh-trade and violent crimes. Loss of self-esteem, breakdown in relationships, bankruptcy and debts develop stress, anxiety, depression and related illnesses, and gamblers are prone to suicides and fatal self-inflictions. Gambling has serious effects on the family with cases of divorce, separation, child-abuse and domestic violence,” it added.

The KJCLF said it is the responsibility of the government to augment resources for the economic development and prosperity of the State, but efforts such as the legalisation of gambling are immoral and come with a high price to society.

“With these activities we fear that our families, our youths and society values will go down the drain and we will lead our future generations into despair and destruction,” it said adding “True statesmanship is what Meghalaya needs. Politicians who are business-minded men see money as their primary concern rather than the people whom they are expected to serve. The Church must raise its voice, not just against the issue in hand, but also about the need for true and moral political leadership.”