Violence: Assam lawmakers ask Conrad to punish guilty

NEW DELHI, Nov 4: Leaders of opposition parties from Assam have voiced serious concern over the recent violence in Shillong during the rally against unemployment and demanded exemplary punishment to the guilty.
“The recent violent attacks on people in Shillong on October 28 which have been widely reported in the media have caused great concern among the people of my state, especially in Barak Valley,” Deputy Leader of Congress in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi wrote in a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
“We all know that people from other Northeastern states belonging to different communities including Assamese, Bengalis, Biharis and Gorkhas are working in Meghalaya,” Gogoi said, pointing out to the targeted attacks on such people.
“Violence disturbs the social harmony and brotherhood among the people of Northeast India,” he wrote.
Trinamool Congress MP (Rajya Sabha) Sushmita Dev alleged that last week’s violence was “state-sponsored”.
“The Chief Minister cannot overlook the incidents of violence on the non-tribals, particularly Bengalis, and hence he should immediately order a probe,” Dev demanded.
Political leaders from other parties like All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) have already voiced concern over the violent incidents where innocent people were attacked without any provocation.
Some lawmakers from Assam have demanded a probe by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the incidents and have written to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in this regard.
North Karimganj MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha had recently met Meghalaya DGP LR Bishnoi and urged him to protect the life and property of innocent citizens.