Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang appealed to the public to take the defeat of ''Indian Idol'' contestant and Shillong lad Amit Paul in a 'sporting spirit'.

Amit had tried his best and is still the pride of Shillong even if he was defeated, Mr Lapang told here tonight after his defeat.

The Chief Minister, however, congratulated the winner Prashant Tamang of the reality show.

The public of Meghalaya tried their best and must be magnanimous enough to accept the result, he said.

When asked to comment on the format of voting through the SMS, the Chief Minister said the company which is organizing the contest must rethink.

As the news of 'Indian Idol' finalist Amit Paul defeat spread, the district administration has tightened the security in vulnerable areas in Shillong city. We have deployed a quick reaction team in the areas of the city where troubles are being expected, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police A Mawthoh said. Mr Mawthoh added that the police is well prepared to deal with any law and order situation arising out of the defeat of the Shillong singing sensation Amit Paul. The Shillong Arts Music Lovers Forum (SAMLF) had appealed to public to maintain peace and harmony in the event of the unexpected defeat of Amit Paul.

Meanwhile, the SAMLF Chairman J L Das said. Amit may not be an Indian Idol, but he is the idol in the hearts of the Meghalayans and the North East.

Earlier, the state government had branded Amit Paul as the Brand Ambassador for ''Communal peace, Harmony and Excellence'' in the state.