Governor appeals for peace, says govt committed to protect all citizens

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 13, 2020

Governor Tathagata Roy on Friday said the state government is committed to take all measures to ensure security and protect the lives of all the citizens of Meghalaya.

“Protection of life and liberty is a fundamental right in our Constitution…The government has taken all necessary steps…to provide adequate security to all citizens, irrespective of the community they belong to,” Roy said in his address during the first day of Assembly’s budget session.

The assurance also came in view of the recent violent incidents arising out of the Ichamati clash incident and its fallout in Shillong city.

He said the state has witnessed agitation and protests by various NGOs against the CItizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) and the demand for implementation of Inner Line Permit (ILP) in the state.

Informing that the government has passed a resolution to implement the Inner Line under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation,1873 to ensure further protection and safeguard the interest of the people of the state, the governor said, “The matter is being actively pursued with the Government of India.”

Stating that overall, agitations against the CAA and demand for ILP were effectively handled by the state police, Roy however said in an unfortunate incident that took place on February 28, in Ichamati, Lurshai Hynniewta (a KSU member) succumbed to his injuries following clashes between two groups.

He said the clashes occurred after a meeting organized by the Khasi Students Union on the CAA and ILP.

“The police were swift to take action and eight people were arrested following the incident,” the governor said while informing that a magisterial enquiry has also been ordered.

He said the government has released an amount of Rs 2 lakh as ex-gratia to the next of kin of the deceased (KSU member) adding that the medical expenses of those who were injured will also be borne by the government.

The governor further informed that the govenrment has also sanctioned an amount of Rs 2 lakh for the next of kin of the deceased who was stabbed to death at Iewduh, from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant.

He said all persons who were injured in the assault and stabbing incidents in Shillong are being treated in civil hospital and private hospitals and assured that their medical expenses will also be borne by the government.

He said the police are investigating all these cases and will ensure that justice is done.

Expressing concerned over the recent incident of mob lynching in Syntung area, the governor said such incidents tend to mar the good reputation of the state as a peace loving tourism destination.

He also appeal to all citizens of the state to refrain from all such acts of violence in the interest of maintaining peace and harmony in the state.