TURA: The Shalom Meghalaya Peace Caravan reached Baghmara, South Garo Hills, on August 28 last, where a large number of people cheered the Caravan as they approached Don Bosco School Ground.
Addressing the public gathering, chief guest, T.G. Momin categorically stated that peace was absolutely necessary for growth and development.
He said that the ongoing kidnapping, extortion, murders, etc., were only adversely affecting the developmental activities as even contractors were unwilling to bid tender for construction works.
Fr. Kurian of Central Team of Shalom Meghalaya reminded the people that the needs and demands of Garo Hills could be achieved only through education and skill development and applied hard work.
In Rongara, the remotest Block in South Garo Hills, the people cheerfully welcomed a contingent of more than 200 motorists from Baghmara.
Thousands joyfully received the Caravan where Fr. Saji exhorted the people to strongly resist as a community the violence being perpetrated.
The Caravan next headed for Siju accompanied by nearly thirty vehicles travelling through extremely bad roads for nearly three hours. Fr. James, District Coordinator, Shalom Meghalaya South Garo Hills, Fr. Nicholas Sangma, Shalom Meghalaya East Garo Hills and S.R. Marak, Central Team, Shalom Meghalaya all had one message for the people of Siju ‘live and let live peacefully’.
Meanwhile, the Shalom Meghalaya contingent also expressed shock over the murder of three youths in Oragitok, a few days back.
“Random Killing of youths, even if they are engaged in unlawful activities should be stopped and legal procedures should be followed in keeping with human rights principles. Therefore action should be taken to find those who are behind the murder of the three youth and appropriate legal course adopted immediately,” it said in condemnation.