Arsonists still roaming free, No compensation yet from Govt
From Our Correspondent
NONGPOH: Justice delayed is justice denied! This is true for the law abiding and peace loving residents of Rajabagan as they move into the second week of the unfortunate incident on Saturday.
The residents who became scapegoats in the conflict and show of strength between two groups are still nursing their wounds even as the culprits responsible for incident roam around scot free, probably even boasting of their feats.
On the afternoon of February 25 last, the local residents of Rajabagan who run sundry businesses were relaxing in their respective shops when suddenly members of a youth organization who came in ten to fifteen vehicles stopped in front of their shops and hurled petrol bombs, damaging almost everything.
The cause of the attack was to avenge a previous attack on the youth body members three days earlier where the local residents reacted to the call for help by one person known to them.
Though the police swung into action and immediately arrested the arsonists identified as two HNYF cadres four days after the incident but much to the surprise of all, the ADM’s Court in Ri Bhoi district released the cadres a day after without allowing the police to question them and seek more information on the culprits involved in the arson. Police officials were left baffled as all their actions to bring justice was thwarted.
Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh visited Rajabagan a few days after the incident but judging from his speech the Government was not going to do much.
He told the people that “only after proper investigation, arrests will be made” and by the time the “investigation” will be completed it will be some months and by then the people will forget the incident.
Now the residents of Rajabagan are doubting the sincerity of the Government.
They ask, “What is there to investigate when the arsonists committed the act in broad day light? They were also detained on the day of the incident at Byrnihat Police Outpost?”
Many feel that the Home Minister wants to avoid a law and order situation that could erupt on account of the arrest of the HNYF members as elections are close at hand.
But the residents of Rajabagan have decided to move on with life and are back to business as usual.
The tall promises made by the Home Minister that compensation whatever possible from the funds of the District Administration would be given immediately are shallow promises.
Till date the local residents who lost their belongings are yet to receive any compensation from the government.
Meanwhile, there was a sigh of relief and hope for the local residents’ courtesy the initiative of the Peace Committee Byrnihat which has taken upon itself to provide assistance to the affected families.
On Friday members of the Peace Committee handed over utensils to the affected families donated by Rangsokona Seng Longkmie and also distributed cash among the families received from various donors.
Notably, the All Killing Peace Committee donated Rs 62,000, Deghal Bagan Village Rs 4860, Smti Ramona Marak Rs 30,000, Jojwa Village Rs 2540, RG Pradhan Rs 5000 and Rangsakuna Village Rs 5000.
On Saturday last, the members of Byrnihat Youth Social Development Organization constructed seven thatched huts for the affected families.
Meanwhile, Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner, Akashdeep, told The Shillong Times on Friday that compensation matters do tend to take some time as many things have to be assessed.
“Proposal has already been sent to the Government and once we get the sanction we will release the compensation to the affected,” he added.