Meghalaya govt to install CCTVs in many locations in city

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 6, 2020

The state government has decided to install closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) in many locations in the city following the prevailing law and order situation. 

Informing this here on Friday, chief minister Conrad K Sangma told reporters that proposals have already been submitted for installation of CCTV cameras. 

“We have had a meeting with the chief secretary, director general of police and finance to ensure on a warfooting the CCTVs are put up in as many locations as possible,” Sangma said. 

He was reacting to a query on the concern expressed over the stabbing incidents at Iewduh and other parts of the city, which is fallout of the recent Ichamati violent incident. 

The chief minister further informed that the police have also been asked to ensure security and checking mechanism are also put in place to screen people who are entering different areas. 

Apart from that, eight companies of CAPF and one company of RAF have been deployed in strategic locations, he said. 

Earlier, 29-year-old Rupchand Dewan, a resident of Barpeta, was stabbed to death and nine others were injured in the stabbing spree incidents. No one has been arrested so far. 

The stabbing incident is seen as a retaliatory attack following the death of a Khasi Students’ Union activist after being attacked by non-tribals at Ichamati village near Shella in East Khasi Hills district on February 28. 

Asked, Sangma said that the particular case where an individual was stabbed to death do not fall under the ex-gratia guidelines laid down by the government. According to him, the ex-gratia is being given on the basis of riots or any kind of mob violence that takes place. 

The chief minister however assured that the government will explore other ways and means to provide some support to the family members of the deceased. 

Whether there have been any arrest made in connection with the stabbing incidents, Sangma however said suo moto case has been filed by the police as people were not willing to come forward to give any kind of complaint or information. 

He said lots of CCTV footages were looked at and police have been collecting intel on the incidents. “Based on some of the intel that have come up, the district SP will accordingly act,” Sangma said while informing that investigation at the same time is still going on. 

On the request made by Assam MLAs to ensure safe passage for migrant workers from the neighbouring state, chief minister said steps have already been taken by the government much before the delegation arrived in the state. 

He said quite a number of migrant workers have been given safe passage already even as food materials to affected areas have already been supplied. 

“Around 200 plus were given safe passage.  Based on the calls that came to me from Assam CM and Govt of India, we had taken necessary steps,” Sangma said. 

“Before they came, we are aware of the situation and they have got the information that action has already been taken and I think they were quite satisfied,”he said. 

The chief minister also assured that it is the priority of the state government to protect all citizens be it tribals or non-tribals.