By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Government has expressed concern over the cases of alleged witchcraft that have led to attack on people besides damaging life and property on numerous occasions in the State.
Talking to The Shillong Times here from New Delhi, Social Welfare Minister Deborah Marak said that the Government is aware of such incidents.
According to Marak, the witchcraft syndrome is prevalent not only in East Khasi Hills but in Jaintia Hills and Garo Hills too.
It may be mentioned that there is a demand from several quarters on the need to frame legislation to check the rise in cases of superstitious beliefs in Meghalaya.
The Minister also added that superstitious belief whoch is still prevalent in the State is fading slowly.
Since the year 2006, eight such cases have been reported in the State even as there may have been many which went unnoticed.
The Minister also said that the respective district administrations of different districts are organising awareness programmes to educate people on the menace of superstitious beliefs and she is yet to get the report on all such programmes.
“We will surely take up this matter to come up with a solution,” the Minister added.
The East Khasi Hills Police has already issued a stern warning stating that drastic action would be taken against the perpetrators, be it the Dorbar or any individual who indulges in ransacking people’s house for alleged witchcraft.
Recently, a 4000-strong mob strong mob had damaged the property of one Tremelin Nongsiej of Mawsynram, accusing him of practising witchcraft.
Police had arrested as many as 19 people in this connection and a compromise was later worked out with the villagers on the issue.