SHILLONG: Concerned over the alleged misuse of power by the traditional heads, Meghalaya Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MCPCR) chairperson Meena Kharkongor is planning to meet KHADC CEM Adelbert Nongrum to apprise him of the alarming trend of headmen taking law into their own hands.
Kharkongor’s reaction has been triggered by a recent incident of a 16-year-old boy being allegedly assaulted by the members of the Dorbar of Umiuh Tmar village near Pynursla following allegations that he was spying for the BSF and Bangladeshis.
“This is an alarming trend. The KHADC will have to take steps to educate the traditional heads not to misuse their power,” the MCPCR chairperson said here on Saturday.
Expressing concern over the increasing number of cases of human rights violation by the members of Dorbar, Kharkongor said that the Rangbah Shnong or the Sordar cannot take law into their own hands.
“I will impress upon the Council to take serious action against such traditional heads who are misusing their power,” she added.
Earlier, the KHADC CEM had also warned the various traditional heads against abusing their powers.
The MCPCR chairperson also alleged that the Rabgbah Shnong of the village was now eager to arrive into a compromise on the issue.
Earlier, Kharkongor had informed that that the District Child Protection Officer (DCPO) had recorded the statement of the youth who is still undergoing treatment at Shillong Civil Hospital.
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, M Kharkrang had informed that seven people have been arrested in connection with the case even as the investigation continued.
It may be mentioned that as per the relatives, the youth was allegedly assaulted on December 2 after the secretary of the village dorbar issued a summon notice asking him to report to the community hall of the village.
The relatives have also filed an FIR at Pynursla police station against the members of the village dorbar viz. Rostan Mawkhlieng Krapsing Diengdoh, Iatur Diengdoh, Roket Shabong, Joksing Khongshei and Ham Diengdoh for allegedly assaulting the victim.
Meanwhile, a senior BSF official also rubbished claims that the victim was their spy.
