SHILLONG: The merciless killing of a 35-year-old mother of four minor children, by Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) in South Garo Hills has evoked strong reactions and condemnation from several political parties and organisations.
The State Unit of BJP has expresses deep concern over the law and order in Garo Hills.
The State BJP Unit vice president, David Ch Marak said the law and order situation in Garo Hills has collapsed and the State Government has failed to protect the common men in Garo Hills.
The BJP urged upon the Government to take strong steps to control the situation so that Peace and tranquility can be retain in Garo Hills.
The NPP has also condemned the recent killing of Josbina M Sangma, of Raja Rongat village.
A delegation of the NPP comprising Agatha Sangma former union minister of state and Conrad Sangma Former Leader of Opposition, Meghalaya, me Union Minister of State for Home Affairs and briefed him on the law and order situation in Garo Hills and specifically the incidents that took place in the past few weeks.
They urged upon Rijiju to visit Garo Hills and assess the situation himself and take appropriate measure based on ground realities.
The NPP stated that the State Government had failed miserably and the law and order situation was going from bad to worse.
The NPP also highlighted the two cases of custodial death that took place in the past few weeks in Garo Hills and urged Rijiju to take steps so that those responsible for this can be punished. Rijiju, condemning the killing of the woman assured the NPP that he would take appropriate action and after the Session of the Parliament as he would be making a visit to Garo Hills to assess the situation.
He expressed serious concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation in Garo Hills and assured that the Central Government will look into the matter and act accordingly.
Meanwhile condemnations are pouring out from all quarters. ED Thomas, Pro- Vice Chancellor, North Eastern Hill University,Tura campus said, “I feel ashamed to be a Mehalayan. Has the Government law and order machinery become senile in the Chokpot arrange? I weep for the children and husband of the woman who was so brutally killed. Tomorrow I shall ask for a two minute silence at the seminar inaugural function in our campus to pray for the family.”
Urban Affairs Minister, Ampareen Lyngdoh’s message said, “As a responsible citizen I condemn the heinous, barbaric and inhuman attack on a helpless woman in Chokpot. The crime is unforgivable because minor children too have not been spared from this mindless attack amidst a God-fearing community. My heart goes out to the family victimized in this unfortunate and regrettable incident.”
The A’chik Revolution Front (ARF) a conglomeration of militant outfits including the UALA and the LAEF has condemned this dastardly act by the Garo National Liberation Army.
Stating that it had concrete evidence of the crime being the handiwork of the GNLA the ARF warned that it would no longer tolerate what it termed a ‘Goondaraj act’ by the GNLA who it claimed were a selfish and depraved minded lot.
“They will have to pay similar losses shortly. We have maintained patience expecting changes in their acts. But since they have continued to commit such acts we have no other alternative left but to jump to a joint recourse,” an ARF militant identified as Lieutenant Chugrim said.
The Meghalaya State Commission for Women (MSCW) has viewed this incident with grave concern and strongly condemned this act.
The Commission strongly appealed to all Civil Societies/NGOs and communities to show Zero Tolerance to such violence and brutality which is so inhuman, and request the Government to immediately take up with the concern authorities for prompt action to ensure that the perpetrators are caught and booked as per the law.
The Commission expressed their solidarity and deep sense of sorrow and grief and extended their condolences to the bereaved family who had to face such a tragic loss.
The leaders of both factions of CSWO, Agnes Kharshiing and Irene Hujon have also condemned the killing of the 35-year-old mother of four minor children, by armed groups in South Garo Hills.
The Chairman, Grand Council of Chiefs of Meghalaya John Kharshiing also condemned the killing.
“We are shocked, we condemn this, heinous, criminal inhuman act that took place in Garo Hills, we are at a loss for words. The Government and Police, must make all out efforts to nab and arrest the criminals. Today, sadly, we have been shamed before the world”, Kharshiing said.