By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In a revolting incident of superstition, members of Mawryngkang village near Wahkdait village in Pynursla forced one Noping Khongsit, alleged of practising witchcraft, to eat human excreta.
The family of Noping Khongsit was penalised by the village local Dorbar on the pretext that they were practising witchcraft (men ai ksuid).
This allegation against Noping was made by four young girls of the village who claimed that they were suffering from unusual diseases due to the practice of witchcraft by Khongsit.
It has been reported that the four young girls, Belmamita Umsong (20), Emdor Khonglah (13), Dapmon Khonglah (11) and Jery Khongjee (17), would shout out the name of Khongsit while sleeping and they mentioned that he would frighten them with snakes in their dreams.
Based on the allegations of the four young girls, the village Dorbar in the presence of the members of the village in a meeting on July 20 directed Khongsit to eat human excreta as punishment.
Admitting the punishment given to Khongsit on Monday, Mawryngkang Assistant Rangbah Shnong Thwer Tynsong said that it was a unanimous decision among the villagers to punish Khongsit in that manner.
According to Tynsong, he (Khongsit) also agreed to the decision of the village and consumed the excreta.
Interestingly, the Assistant Rangbah Shnong also claimed that the health condition of the four young girls improved within a day of Khongsit consuming the excreta.
He however said that the village Dorbar did not ostracise Khongsit and his family.
“The members of the village agreed that the punishment given to Khongsit was enough to teach him a lesson,” Assistant Rangbah Shnong said.
Meanwhile, a police team led by Sub Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) of Sohra Ian Swer and Additional District Magistrate W Biam rushed to Pynursla to take stock of the situation.
On reaching the Pynursla police station, Swer and Biam were requested by Khongsit to refrain from going to the village since the issue was settled with the village Dorbar amicably.
Ignoring his request the two officers proceeded to the village and addressed the villagers, gathered in the community hall.
Swer made it clear that no one could stop the police from entering the village and carrying out an investigation.