By Albert Thyrniang
A letter in this paper, “Well done villagers…but” by Leoberth S Rongmuthu (ST July 12, 2013) represents a conscience in dilemma about how to respond to the lynching incidents reported in the media recently. Whether to condone or condemn when the public kill fellow human beings, whatever their antecedents be, is the stance one has to take! For the concerned villagers it may be a straight forward decision but for many their action is disturbing and distressing.
In the last two weeks there have been reports of lynching of ‘dacoits and militants’ by villagers in Garo Hills. At least five have fallen victim to the people’s anger in two separate incidents. The two incidents occurred in Bajengdoba area under North Garo Hills District. On June 29, two dacoits were lynched when they were caught extorting money from a pastor. The latest was on the night of July 10. Three militants allegedly belonging to the ANVC (B) were brutally and inhumanly lynched by an infuriated mob. The pistol-borne threesome was purportedly on a mission to eliminate a village leader.
Why do people take such extreme steps? Why do peace loving villagers have to turn killers? The reason is not conjectured. It is plain and simple. People are fed up with the constant harassment they face at the hands of extortionists. They decide enough is enough. From past experience they know that handing criminals over to the police bears no fruit. Actions are seldom taken. They let out criminals sooner than they themselves expect. Known gangs are not nabbed. In some cases the identity of persons, their recorded voice (in mobile) were given to the police but they are still roaming free. So practically all villages in Garo Hills have decided they should guard themselves at night and will not spare insiders or outsiders caught indulging in criminal activities in their jurisdiction. They pre-decide to lynch them before handing over the corpses to the cops.
The predicament of people is understandable. But taking away human lives cannot be approved under any circumstances. The reported cases of lynching can be termed as premeditated and deliberate murders. They are not cases of self defense. The victims are caught then lynched. Legally the perpetrators are criminals. But killing them before a fair trial is accorded to them is morally wrong. Theologically they are sins. All religions teach us so. From the human rights perspective they are outright violations. Taking law into one’s hand can never be condoned or justified. Lynching militants or gangs proves we are no better than them.
News reports do not give detailed descriptions, but eye witnesses say knives, swords and ‘daos’ were used to inflict ‘punishment’ and eventually kill the ‘culprits’. The bodies were disfigured beyond recognition. In one case, their mortal remains were packed in sacks and thrown into a river. It’s horrific and barbaric!
The lynching incidents add to the state of lawlessness in Garo Hills. They further complicate matters in the already fragile situation. The region has been under the scourge of militancy for at least two decades where a psychosis of insecurity and fear are created by extortions, kidnaps and killings. We are still under the effect of the mob violence that resulted from the alleged molestation of a mentally challenged woman in Tura last month. In the hills by and large normalcy has returned. Timely peace initiatives and anti-rumour propaganda seem to have worked. A tit for tat scenario and a potential collision course between the All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AAMSU) and Garo Hills’ NGOs was also averted as the former called off the economic blockade of Garo Hills on Saturday last. Escalation of the situation seems unlikely now though a spark is enough to ignite passions.
The worry is in the plains, particularly the areas adjacent to Mankachar town where the situation is still tense. Garos from villages under Assam have fled to Meghalaya side of the border. A political party rushed relief materials to affected people. A Police outpost in Monabari village was attacked. Security forces still keep vigil in sensitive areas. Night curfew is still in place. Much more than time and collective efforts are needed to heal the wounds.
Now the government and the law enforcing agencies have to deal with this awkward situation. The government and the police also must be battling with the dilemma: should they criminalize the lynching incidents? Should FIRs be filed against the people involved? As mobs were involved, specifically against whom should the FIRs be filed? Should the headmen and village office bearers bear the consequences? If my sources are correct, as of now no FIR has been filed. Perhaps, the police know it is difficult to pursue the cases but overlooking or downplaying the lynching incidents will lead to total lawlessness.
If we do not endorse lynching then what suggestion/s do we give to the villagers who face regular harassment from unscrupulous groups and individuals who forcefully extort the hard earned money of others? What alternative options do we offer so that they are convinced not to lynch suspected criminals? The questions were posted on Facebook. There were just two comments. May be ‘Facebookians’ are largely ‘gen-next’. One suggested that families and individuals be permitted to acquire licensed guns. This would lead to an American-like culture. A more theoretical friend wrote that law alone must deal with whatever crimes. If people take law into their own hands there will be mayhem and anarchy. A view expressed by villagers themselves is to either cut off or break a limb or two and hand the wrongdoers over to the police. The last idea is pleasing to the ‘lesser evil’ proponents’ ears. In Songsak area, unconfirmed sources inform that villagers and the police sign an agreement that perpetrators of criminal activities who are caught will not be given bail.
Taking a stance against lynching is theoretically easy. It is somewhat like this: lynching is a crime. Criminals who are caught must be handed over to the law. Law will deal with them. But in practice, under the present circumstances, it is not that easy. The cases of lynching prick our collective conscience but we also feel for the common people who face immense hardships. The situation in Garo Hills was allowed to deteriorate to such an extent that people have to ‘execute’ their own brothers. The government has to tackle militancy and dacoity else people will be compelled to do it the unlawful way. The new DGP has intentionally observed that political will is a pre-requisite to put an end to the militancy in Garo Hills. If he does a Kiran Bedi and not allow political interference he will be effective in tackling insurgency!
“All is well that ends well” goes an English proverb. Optimists would hope that the lynching incidents would send shock waves amongst anti-social elements and stop them from indulging in criminal activities lest they meet the same fate. That would be a happy ending to a rather rough journey. That would mean no more extortion and threats, no more kidnappings and killing. People would be allowed to live in peace and security; free from fear of harassment and intimidation. The new governor’s wish for peace and all round development would become a reality. Our collective conscience will not baffle us again!