Group moves govt over surge in missing cases

SHILLONG: With The Ultimate Legend Bikers’ Association (TULBA) moving Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui over the rise in number of missing cases of persons, the latter has assured that he will look into the matter.
According to a statement from TULBA, the association met Rymbui on Thursday where it presented the statistics received from the Office of the Superintendent of Police, East Khasi Hills, which indicated that the state witnesses an average of 249.2 persons missing every year since 2013 while many of them remain untraced till date.
“Taking into account the population of the state (a little over 3 million), the crime rate is abnormally high. These missing persons include children, teenagers, persons from different professional backgrounds like teachers, business persons, government employees, daily wage laborers and so on,” the association said.
“No doubt the police have done all they could, to prevent, contain crimes as can be seen in the improving law and order situation in the state. Yet, we cannot remain oblivious to the rise in incidents of missing persons. Perhaps, there is something more sinister than what appears to be. The police force has to be more innovative in this respect,” the TULBA suggested.
Urging the minister to pay special heed to this new issue, The TULBA has suggested that checking of vehicles at entry-exit points along the National Highways should be made more stringent. “Public should be encouraged to record and report in case of any odd/suspicious characters/occupants of incoming and outgoing persons/ vehicles. A separate cell within a police outpost may be created exclusively for this,” it said.
The association has also suggested that some writing on the precautionary measures can be framed for people. “This can be publicised through the print media or through handbills, which can be distributed, or even banners can be displayed in public areas,” the association suggested, adding that a video clip about the precautionary measures can be also be made for public consumption.
“Proper installation of street lights, especially in sensitive areas, installation of CCTVs and monitoring should be improved while public awareness programmes concerning this issue can be conducted through the involvement of NGOs, schools, colleges, public bodies, etc., on a regular basis,” the TULBA suggested.
Meanwhile the association has also said that Rymbui has assured of looking into the issue.
“He (Rymbui) also pointed out that it would of great help to the government authority if the affected family informs about the disappearance of a family member at the earliest. Early information will help the concerned department in taking quick steps to track the person(s),” the statement added.