SHILLONG, OCT 12: Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar on Monday downplayed the ongoing protest by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), stating it will have no bearing on Meghalaya’s youth.

Responding to a query on whether the stir would influence young voters in the state, Dhar said the matter pertains to the Centre.

“Not at all because this is a central issue. I think the government will handle it properly at the central level,” he said.

On CJP’s demand for removal of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), Dhar said the reply should come from the Government of India.

When asked if youth voters could be drawn towards CJP, Dhar said, “I am not scared for the youth. I always love and respect the youth of Meghalaya because our youth are very intelligent and they know what to do in the future. As a government, we are with them.”