SHILLONG, Feb 21: Former cop and BJP’s North Shillong candidate, Mariahom Kharkrang on Tuesday said August 13, 2021 was a blot on the face of Meghalaya.
Addressing a conclave for a brighter and prosperous Meghalaya and pronouncement of a roadmap for making North Shillong a model constituency, Kharkrang recalled that it was on that day when a group of youths stormed a police unit and the demoralized police personnel fled the place abandoning their weapons. He said the youths roamed about the streets of Shillong brandishing the weapons and it was like a scene from Afghanistan.
The incident had occurred during a protest against the killing of former HNLC leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew. Kharkrang pointed out that many people have been settled in Shillong from the time of their grandparents but they are still considered as “second-class” citizens.
He said a police constable died fighting militancy in Meghalaya but his children are considered as second-class citizens.
“The same people, who come to you with folded hands and seek your vote, curse you and say words not meant to be said when they go to Khasi areas,” Kharkrang said.
He lamented that some communities are also considered as thugs in Meghalaya.
“The same parties, which beg your vote in Khasi localities, say they will ensure that certain people are removed if they rise to power,” he said.
The BJP contestant claimed he stood by all sections of people, including non-tribals, and every citizen of the state during the height of militancy and he would continue to do so.
Stating that the minority communities do not dare speak as they care for their families, he said 99% of the Khasis want to live in an environment of peace and harmony with people from other communities.
