Family members seek justice
TURA: The memorial service for the victims of the 30th September firing incident in Tura and Williamnagar was observed in both the towns on Monday evening.
The tragic events that unfolded eight years ago resulted in the death of nine civilians, including students, who lost their lives to police firing during a protest rally relating to the state education board.
Hundreds of citizens, mostly students, took part in a peaceful observance of the anniversary at both towns where the firing which resulted in the largest civilian casualties during peacetime occurred in this part of the region.
The memorial service for the victims in Tura and Williamnagar was observed at Tura Chandmari field and Rongrenggre government school playground in East Garo Hills respectively where the lives were lost.
The memorial services were led by prayers and placing of floral wreaths and lighting of the traditional bamboo torches at the very places the nine victims fell.
Reverend Dilseng M Sangma, Pastor of Wadanang Baptist Church while delivering the all important message of peace called upon the gathering to inculcate the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and practice ‘Ahimsa’ or nonviolence saying, “in today’s world there is fear all around due to presence of weapons and evil.”
Senior student leader and GSU adviser Manseng A Sangma, who also happens to be the president of the 30th September Victims’ Solidarity Forum sought justice for the families of the nine victims.
“Eight years have been completed and a judicial enquiry completed but not a single officer involved in the twin firing incidents have been tried and convicted. Why has the verdict against those involved in the killings not given till now?” questioned Manseng Sangma while delivering the keynote address at Tura Chandmari field.
During the twin memorial services, special prayers were offered by the gathering for the victims and their families and candles were lit at the cenotaphs erected in their memory at Tura and Williamnagar.
Baghmara joins observance: The September 30 victims were also remembered in South Garo Hills district with a solemn condolence service held at the Rangkhu Memorial Higher Secondary School in Baghmara. The service was attended NGOs, civil societies and citizens from in and around Baghmara including the GSU led by Southern Zone president in charge Chuba R Marak.
The condolence service remembered the victims of that fateful day and prayed for the departed and their families.
The service began with a prayer for the souls of the departed by the United Christian Association Pastor who also read out scriptures from the Bible while Siju Eco Tourism Society Chairman Prosper S Marak and Rev. Fr C R Marak from Don Bosco Secondary School, Baghmara, read out messages of condolences during the service. Candles were also lit to honour the souls of the nine victims as a mark of remembrance. (with inputs from our Williamnagar and Baghmara Correspondents).