Citizens demand independent inquiry into violent incidents

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 8, 2020

Citizens of the state on Sunday demanded the state government to institute an independent inquiry to probe into the recent violent incidents, which led to the loss of lives and injuring many.

In an appeal signed by over 137 citizens on Sunday said, “We demand that an independent inquiry be set up to inquire into the events leading to the violent incidents in Ichamati as well as the assaults and stabbings which took place subsequently in Shillong as well as in other places.”

Shillong city has witnessed violent incidents in the past few days after members of the Khasi Students Union (KSU) were attacked by a group at Ichamati on February 28 which led to the death of its member, Lurshai Hynñiewta.

Stabbing incidents were reported in Shillong which led to the death of one trader, and a number of people injured.

“We demand that the Police should not be biased towards anyone and that all involved should be booked as per the law,” the appeal which was also signed by social activists CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing, TUR leader Angela Rangad and others, said.

Pointing out that incidents of violence, including assaults, arson, and destruction to property, whether private or public, have been taking place periodically for the past few months and years, it suggested that the police should strengthen mechanisms to prevent such incidents from taking place.

“We demand the creation of spaces for public forums and discussions, to debate about the law, to find ways to uplift our people and state, and to preserve our traditions,” it said.

The appeal also encourage fearless naming of important issues that affect the state or the indigenous people, and to debate publicly and in detail – founded on the fundamentals of truth – ways in which we can protect our own people.

“We demand the indigenous and government institutions govern in a corruption-free manner, making sure that our neighbourhoods, towns and cities are safe for all.

We demand the institutions execute the law in a just and fair manner without bias, and in accordance to the laws of the land,” the citizens said.

They also demanded the creation of spaces for public forums and discussions in our neighbourhoods, in our places of learning, where the public and students can gather regularly to discuss, to debate and to listen to the perspective and opinions of others.

“We encourage the public to not be afraid to stop or to intervene when there is violence and killings – even if it is a small altercation – in order to prevent it’s spread.

We encourage the planting of seeds of mutual respect and love across generations and with one’s own children; and that our love of our own traditions and people should not be greater than hatred of others different from us.

We need to understand the importance that our people will not thrive and grow in isolation,” the appeal said.

“We need to stand together to end the hatred and killing of each other, it only brings loss and death,” it added.