Educational institutions remain closed in GH
TURA: Schools and colleges in Garo hills remained closed on Friday as a mark of protest against the custodial death of under trial prisoner (UTP) Balsan S Marak who died under mysterious circumstances while in judicial custody.
The closure was called by a conglomeration of NGOs comprising of the GSU, FKJGP, ADE and AYWO.
The deceased was picked up on May 13 last in relation to the confinement and torture of 12 women and thereafter remanded in judicial custody.
The NGOs have also called for a public rally at Chandmari playground here on May 27 to put pressure on the government to constitute a judicial probe.
Meanwhile, the incident has also been condemned by NGOs from Williamnagar who blame the West Garo Hills Superintendent of Police, Mukesh Kr Singh and his subordinates for the tragedy. Condemning the alleged torture of Marak by the SP and his men, a group of NGOs comprising of the GSU, FAF, AIGU, FKJGP and Mothers’ Federation have demanded the suspension of all those involved in the incident and initiation of a free and fair enquiry into the matter at the earliest.
The NGOs also urged the people of Tura to unite and condemn police high handedness which they said was becoming an everyday affair.
“People of Tura should not keep silent or allow the SP to sit in office while the enquiry is in progress,” they said adding that they would never allow the “cruel rule” of police in the region.
The NGOs also demanded that immediate payment of compensation be made to the next of kin of Late Balsan S Marak by the government.
