HM condemns mob lynching incident at Syntung, says all perpetrators will be brought to book

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 9, 2020

Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Monday has condemned the horrific lynching incident which led to the killing of a youth and injuring eight others at Syntung, a village which is famous for its tourist spots as he assured that action will be taken against all the perpetrators. 

A group of nine youths from Madanrting had gone for a picnic to Syntung village under Mawkynrew Block in East Khasi Hills District on Sunday. But the picnic instead turned into a nightmare when a mob suddenly attacked them on suspicion of being menshohnoh (servants of the serpent). 

The incident took place at around 5.30 pm. Sources said that the vehicle carrying the youths were also set on fire. 

One of three who were brutally assaulted by the angry mob succumbed to his injuries. Six others from the group managed to escape to a nearby jungle out of fear and were only rescued by police today morning. 

The deceased have been identified as Macmillan Kharshandy of Lumbasuk Block A, Madanrting while two others who received head injuries include Ricky Dkhar (26) of Lumjingsuk, Madanrting and Teiborlang Kharbyngar (25) of Madanrting. The injured persons have been admitted in Shillong civil hospital. 

Strongly condemning the incident, Rymbui said it is quite unfortunate that the people have taken the law in their own hands. The home minister informed that he is still waiting for a full report on the incident. 

He also assured that the state government will ensure that the law prevails and see that such tragic incident is not allowed to repeat in the future. 

“The government will ensure speedy investigation and prosecution as this will ensure all the perpetrators of such crime will be punished as per law of the land,” Rymbui said. 

Keeping in mind that Syntung is a tourist spot and has attracted people not only from the state but from outside as well, the home minister said it is important for the local people of the area to ensure that no untoward incidents are allowed to take place. 

According to him, local people are the ones who are benefiting from tourist spots and it is their duty to ensure there is a sense of security among the visitors. 

Whether the government is contemplating to come up with a law to take stern action against people who are involved in mob lynching, the home minister said laws are already there to punish people involved in such killings. He also stressed the need to speed up the process investigation and prosecution in such cases. 

To a question if compensation will be extended to the victim’s family, the home minister however said that at this juncture it would premature for him to comment on this aspect as he is still waiting for a detailed report to know how the incident had taken place. 

Meanwhile, the other victims have been identified as Alfready Sohtun, Vishal Deb Verma, Bijay Singh, Rohit Suting, Banteilang Kahrumnuid, and Pappu Deka.