Opp Congress asks govt to go after “kingpin” behind Ichamati communal clash incident

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaMarch 4, 2020

The opposition Congress has demanded the state government to institute a proper inquiry and go after the “kingpin” behind the Ichamati communal clash which led to violent incidents in the past few days. 

“We would like to see that the government comes up with a proper inquiry into the whole background which led to that unfortunate avoidable incident, which is condemnable by all thereby vitiating the environment and bringing a dark spot in the whole history of Meghalaya,” Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Mukul Sangma told reporters here on Wednesday. 

Sangma said all the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to book without any attempt to manipulate or protect anybody adding that he is afraid that the manner in which the government is handling the situation, they will allow the perpetrators of the crime to go scot free. 

“That is why we want to see that the perpetrators of the crime should not go scot free as that is going to be a deterrent for the future. Unless this is done, I am afraid the perpetrators of the crime will get embolden, they will engage in repeatation of similar situations thereby creating an uncertain future for our future generation,” he said. 

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. The incident had taken place after a meeting held to oppose the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and demand for Inner Line Permit (ILP). 

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

Whether he is happy with the magisterial inquiry ordered by the state government to probe into the genesis of the Ichamati incident, Sangma however said, “I am sorry I cannot trust this government and the magisterial inquiry may be just an eye-wash.” 

He said look at the kind of concern coming from all corners because we have to know why and how the incident has happened and it is important to know who are behind since the incident has brought in a sense of mistrust and hatred which must be prevented by all means by all of us. 

“There are reasons for us therefore to go after the perpetrators and go after the kingpin. I think you can understand the magnitude of concern being expressed by us. Now how will you find out is up to the government which type of inquiry which will enable it to go after the actual perpetrators of the crime and the kingpin – I think it is enough for the government to know what type of investigation and what type of inquiry should be there…as there are effective options available,” he said. 

To a question as to whether the Ichamati incident was pre-planned, the Congress leader said, “That is why we are asking that let there be a proper investigation which will be able to go after the perpetrators and after the kingpin and that tells what we mean.” 

Sangma further slammed the state government for mishandling the law and order situation in the state that led to such a communal clash. 

“Even the issue of that incident in Ichamati, how is it the government didn’t know? What were they doing? Were they partying? What were they doing? I tell you everyday there is a daily secret information (DSI) given to the chief minister. CM is privilege to have that DSI on his table everyday. How is it that they are found to have been in deep slumber, that such an unprecedented incident of communal conflict could happen? Was there no permission given for the NGO, who wanted to have the protest meeting, was it not given? If given, what was the all necessary arrangement? That is why I am saying that the responsibility of responding to the call of duty when one is in the helm of affairs of governance cannot be taken likely. It revolves around the future of the people. We need to be concern what is going to happen in the future,” he said.   

He said it is the duty of the opposition to tell the government to wake up and point out fingers at the government less they would be again found in deep slumber adding “you cannot afford to have a government which is not concern about what’s happening on the ground zero and who is conspiring to create this kind of situation.” 

According to him, the unfortunate could have been avoidable and the authorities should have been capable of getting all the necessary inputs. Sangma further asserted that the government should be alert keeping in mind of what is happening all across the country. 

Earlier today, a delegation of Congress was prevented from visiting Ichamati area. “Our delegation have gone to Sohra and when some of our members wanted to go further (to Ichamati), they were advised it is not the appropriate time so our members went by the advice,” Sangma informed. 

When asked, he said, “Problem of this nature does not have any kind of geographical boundary that is why the government has to take stock of the situation and see that people across the state are taken into confidence to restore and sustain peace as it is a very crucial moment.” 

Meanwhile, the opposition Congress has also decided to table a resolution urging the Government of India to repeal the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, in the upcoming budget session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, which will commence from March 13 to March 25.