By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government on Friday announced a compensation of Rs 7.5 lakh to the next of kin of the two slain Williamnagar Jail staff who had lost their lives when militants attacked the jail last week.
Chief Secretary WMS Pariat made the announcement during his meeting with a delegation of NGO leaders here.
Pariat also informed that the family members of the slain staff would continue to avail the monthly salaries till the time they would have otherwise remained in service.
Besides, the Government has also constituted an inquiry into the attack to be headed by East Garo Hills Additional Deputy Commissioner MK Marak. The inquiry report has to be submitted to the government within one month.
Earlier, several NGOs led by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) took out a black flag march to protest against the brutal killings of Assistant Jailor Neil Warjri and Warder Sarai Singh Thabah on February 2.
Expressing their solidarity, residents of the city poured out onto the streets with placards and banners to join the march which culminated in the CTO Parking Lot near the Additional Secretariat with a public meeting.
Following the march, an NGO delegation led by the KSU met the Chief Secretary to place their demands for providing adequate security to Khasi employees posted in Garo Hills and stern action against the perpetrators of the gruesome attack.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, KSU president Daniel Khyriem said the NGOs have demanded a job for one of the family members of the two deceased jail staffers.
Khyriem informed that the Chief Secretary has assured security to all Khasis, including government employees, residing or working in various parts of Garo hills region.
While condemning the Government for failing to protect its employees, the KSU leader also came down heavily on the militant group (allegedly ANVC-B) responsible for the attack.
The KSU also made it clear that it would not support the GNLA’s demand for a separate Garo state.
Protest rally in Garo Hills
Meanwhile, civil societies of Williamnagar also organised a protest rally against the brutal killing of the two policemen. The rally, which saw the participation of thousands of people, began with a two-minute silence and a prayer.
Addressing the gathering, TD Shira of All India Garo Union (AIGU) condemned the incident and urged the people of Garo Hills to maintain peace and harmony in the region and uphold brotherly bonds with all the tribes of the State.
President of Mothers’ Federation, Williamnagar LW Momin expressed shock and concern over the brutal attack on the two jail staffs and called for a safer environment in the region.
General secretary of Achik Socio Vigilance and Protection Team GR Marak lauded the people of Khasi Hills for maintaining communal harmony.
He urged people to take responsibility to bring about a safer and healthier social environment and to work towards maintaining better relationship with other tribes of the State.
NPP condemnation
The National People’s party (NPP) on Friday condemned the inhumane attack on jail personnel at Williamnagar which led to the death of two jail staffs.
In a statement issued here, NPP leader Conrad Sangma, while condemning the attack, urged the State Government to take firm action and book the culprits as early as possible.
“If such a dastardly attack can occur in a high security zone, think of the plight of the common people in other parts,” Sangma said in the statement.
The NPP leader also offered his condolences to both the families.