Custodial death: AAYF serves 3-day ultimatum to Government
TURA: The All A’chik Youth Federation (AAYF), Central Executive Board, Tura has sought the intervention of Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma in the prevailing situation of human rights violation in the region. It claimed that the custodial death of Balsan Marak was clearly evident of the violation of human rights and criminal activity of the police department.
In its letter to the Chief Minister the AAYF claimed that the custodial death of Balsan was unjust and an intentional murder and condemned the police chief Mukesh Kumar Singh and the entire police department for what it termed was an irresponsible and inhumane act. Expressing ire over the medical examination report released to the media by the doctor of Tura District Jail, it claimed that the report was prepared in favour of the police department to save the SP and other perpetrating policemen.
ABDK urges fair and just investigation into youth’s custodial death
The Social Action Committee of the Garo Baptist Convention (ABDK) which is the official voice of all the Baptist Churches in Garo Hills has urged concerned authorities to conduct a fair and just investigation into the custodial death of Balsan S Marak on May 20.
In a meeting held at its ABDK Office in Tura the members expressed anguish over the youth’s custodial death and appealed for justice to the deceased and his family. Further, the committee resolved and urged the authorities not to target the youth without obtaining valid evidence. “Justice must prevail in Garo Hills and let peace reign in this trouble torn region,” it stated.
The sudden rise in incidents of ‘Satanic Worship’ among the youths was also discussed during the meeting where the members expressed deep concern. The meeting resolved to give awareness to the community about the menace it created and decided to call upon concerned citizens, community leaders and Church leaders to keep vigil on the current situation.
Meanwhile, the Gare Sintang Mahari Association (GSMA) has condemned the death of its own clan member in judicial custody. It demanded the removal of all officials responsible for his death as well as strong action taken against them as per law.
GH State Movement Committee calls for CBI inquiry
The Garo Hills State Movement Committee has urged the Home Minister Rajnath Singh to entrust the cases of custodial deaths of Balsan Marak and Witson Sangma to CBI or to National Investigation Agency (NIA) to conduct a free and fair enquiry
In a letter addressed to the Home Minister Augustine R. Marak, General Secretary, Garo Hills State Movement Committee said that though, Garoland State is the main agenda of the Committee, the worsening law and order problem in the five districts of Garo Hills and police atrocities are issues of serious concern.
