Assam Cong leader nudges Meghalaya Guv on violence

NEW DELHI, Nov 5: Leader of the Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly, Debabrata Saikia, on Saturday, joined the chorus against the attacks on bystanders and passersby during the recent rally in Shillong and demanded proper inquiry and punishment for the guilty.
In a letter to Meghalaya Governor BD Mishra, the Congress legislator also requested the Governor to initiate proper steps to protect the rights of non-tribal people in Meghalaya. Saikia also demanded security for non-tribals in the neighbouring hill state.
“As per the report of the reputed newspaper The Shillong Times, the protestors had attacked passers-by along the route of the rally while the police remained ‘mute spectators’”, the letter said. It was observed that despite the police presence along the route of the rally, no action was taken against the attackers,” it said.
Saikia further said in his letter that it was also witnessed that the state police officials were “silent bystanders” during the recent protest where protesters were involved in “heinous criminal activities”. “While the protesters mainly targeted the non-tribal citizens of the state, many horrific incidents such as vandalism, ill-treatment of women and others were reported from the same incident,” he further said.
Saikia alleged, not a single criminal has been convicted or punished according to the law. “What we can observe is that even after being the citizens of India, they are ill-treated in Meghalaya as a third-grade populace. The fear and uncertainty of their lives are still unprotected by the Government,” Saikia added in the letter.
The Congress leader demanded that an explanation regarding the recent incidents must be called from the government led by Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.
A high-level inquiry committee must be formed to ensure a proper investigation of the same.
“A detailed response must be sought from the government to make them reply on what grounds such incidents are happening which are distinctly violating the fundamental rights of the non-tribal citizens of Meghalaya. A directive committee must be formed which should be led by a judge of Meghalaya High Court or equivalent rank to address the issues faced by non-tribal population of the state,” Saikia added.
Earlier, opposition leaders from TMC, AIUDF and Congress had protested against the Shillong violence.