By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: There is a demand from several quarters on the need to frame legislation to check the rise in cases of superstitious beliefs in Meghalaya.
In a statement issued here, the Meghalaya Peoples Human Rights Council (MPHRC) while expressing concern over the incidents of witchcraft said it was high time that the Meghalaya should come up with specific state legislations by introducing a bill in the legislature and enacting a law in curbing this menace once and for all to prevent such incidents in the future.
The MPHRC also urged the State Government to address witchcraft practice as an issue of grave public concern.
“The state of Meghalaya has witnessed many such cases which had often led to the loss of lives and property leading to gross violation of the rights of an individual” said Pynskhem Syiemlieh, Information and Public Relation Secretary, MPHRC.
According to MPHRC, witchcraft practice in itself should be treated as a problem that is deeply rooted in the peoples’ customary beliefs.
The CSWO also expressed its disapproval at the torching of the house of Tremlin Nongsiej by some of the villagers of the village of Mawryngkang, East Khasi Hills District on the mere suspicion of witch-hunting.
The CSWO President Agnes Kharshiing said that the law does not permit others to violate another person’s human rights, and if someone has crossed the line, the matter should be reported to the law enforcing agencies.
“Moreover it is noticed through many interactions with the people who are victims of such acts that the whole thing is ignited by a few who are jealous and have personal vendettas”, Kharshiing said.
The CSWO also asked various traditional leaders to apply their minds for the good of the society and not to allow any mob to turn violent.
