By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: In view of the growing incidents where people have been victimized in the name of practicing witchcraft, the East Khasi Hills District administration has taken a tough stand to deal with such unwanted situations.
Talking to a group of journalists here on Wednesday, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Sanjay Goyal said, “We will not tolerate these kind of activities under any circumstances.”
The Deputy Commissioner made the statement while reacting to a recent incident at Pynursula where Dorbar of Mawryngkang village, forced one Noping Khongsit to eat human excreta after accusing him of practicing witchcraft.
The Deputy Commissioner while taking strong cognizance of such incidents asserted that people have been trying to settle their personal scores by alleging individuals of practicing witchcraft. He expressed regret while commenting on the involvement of people in the village holding high positions, abetting such acts.
Reacting to a query, he said that the district administration needs the support of people from all walks of life to deal with such incidents which have become a cause of great worry for the state. He added that the district administration is trying to generate awareness among people against such superstitions by roping in headmen, traditional institutions and civil societies.
The District administration is also awaiting the official notice of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) which has been sent to Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of the East Khasi Hills over the recent incident.
According to Goyal, two such incidents of victimizing people on the grounds of practicing witchcraft has been reported in the district since the time he has taken over as the Deputy Commissioner.
The State police have so far arrested three persons in this connection.
