By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The East Khasi Hills district administration is taking all the possible measures to avoid any backlash following the murder of three innocent persons in Sohra on charges of being involved in the practice of men-ai-ksuid (black magic).
Fearing blacklash from residents of Laitlyngkot, from where the three victims hailed, the district administration held a peace meeting with the various Rangbah Shnongs and members of the different Dorbar Shnongs of Laitlyngkot area on Saturday.
“We convened the peace meeting with the basic objective of seeking the cooperation of the various village leaders and elders in Laitlyngkot area so that peace and normalcy is maintained,” East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Jopthiaw Lyngdoh told reporters after the meeting.
While expressing satisfaction over the positive response from the various leaders who attended the meeting, Lyngdoh said, “At this point we would like to defuse the tension to ensure there is no retaliation.”
The Deputy Commissioner said that he would convene another meeting on Monday where leaders of both Laitlyngkot and Sohra areas would be present.
He, however, informed that the district administration has decided to increase deployment of police personnel at the weekly Sohra market.
Meanwhile, taking strong exception to the killing of three innocent people from the area, villagers hailing from Laitlyngkot area have demanded strong action against the perpetrators of the crime.
“All those people who were involved in the murder should be booked as per the law. We would strongly protest if there is any attempt on the part of the authorities to release the culprits involved in the crime,” Rangbah Shnong of Mawkneng under Raid Nongkynrih, Lengskhem Nongkynrih, said while speaking to reporters after the meeting.
Admitting the need to defuse the tension, Nongkynrih, however, said it would be possible only if the people of Sohra realize their mistakes.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police AR Mawthoh, who was also present at the meeting, said police would continue with their investigation into the death of the three persons.
“We have registered both the cases. So far we have arrested ten people who have been remanded in seven-day police custody,” he said.