SHILLONG: The United Workers’ Forum (UWF), a conglomeration of seven workers’ organisations in Tura, has expressed concern over the re cent attack on muster roll worker (Forest Department) by timber smugglers at Adokgre in North Garo Hills.
The incident happened on July 8 at around 8:30pm when Kreditson Marak was on the way to Adokgre Forest Beat office on duty.
The two smugglers who came on a motorbike dragged him and shot him with a sophisticated weapon from close range.
The reason for the cruel act appears to be revenge when Marak prevented them from illegal tree smuggling in that area, observed people of the area.
The victim is undergoing treatment at Down town Hospital, Guwahati.
Wednesday said that the matter had been informed to the forest minister Prestone Tynsong, urging him to providing adequate compensation to the victim and bear all expenses related to his treatment.
Sangma said that the muster roll workers are in a state of fear without any security and they have to risk their lives as part of their work.
However,they are not paid for risky night duties as they are forced to go for night patrolling, chasing tree smugglers at their own risk.
With a meagre wage to afford their daily bread, the workers are facing various challenges, Sangma said.
“The forum may take up such issue of injustices with the National Human Rights Commission,” Sangma added.
