NONGSTOIN: Students, headmen and pressure groups from Pyndengrei and Siejlieh villages in West Khasi Hills came together on Thursday to protest against the murder of 22-year-old Daritngen Syiem.
The protesters, estimated to be around 5,000, took out a rally under the banner Dorbar Shnong Pyndengrei to demand for stringent punishment for the accused.
The accused, Melvin Sohlangpiaw of Pyndengrei village, has confessed that they were in a relationship and he killed Daritngen, who was from Siejlieh village, during an argument.
The woman was murdered on February 19 and her decomposed body was recovered on March 26.
The march, which started from Ladweitang, culminated at St Peters Higher Secondary School Ground at Pyndengrei. Addressing the gathering, KSU’s Nongstoin Circle general secretary Franklin Syiemiong said the accused should not be allowed to stay in the village. Lyngdoh of Hima Nongstoin Macmillan Byrsat called for stringent punishment to all involved in crime against women.
He also lauded the Dorbar Shnong of Pyndengrei, police, NGOs among others for following up the case.