By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, July 12: Teibor Lyting, the person accused of attacking Cabinet Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh and pelting stones at her residence, is “mentally unstable”.
A relative claimed on Wednesday that Lyting, a labourer, has an unstable mind and hardly communicates with anyone.
The relative said they have never sought medical help or tried to check his mental health condition.
The Rangbah Dong of Kharmalki, Thrang Hok Dkhar said he was surprised to read about Lyting attacking the minister and pelting stones at her residence.
“He has always been in his own world and he has never created any trouble in the locality. He hardly takes part in any social activity in the locality,” Dkhar said.
Lyting’s behaviour gives the impression that he is not mentally stable, the Rangbah Dong said.
“It will be difficult to find out what made him attack the minister’s house,” he said.
The police are learnt to be exploring the possibility of Lyting having been instigated to attack Lyngdoh’s house. The man apparently told the police he had seen the minister in his dream before the incident.
Earlier in the day, Lyting was remanded in 14 days’ judicial custody by a local court.
Lyting, also known as Petros in the Kharmalki area, is originally from War Jaintia.
Sources said he had also created a nuisance at Lyngdoh’s residence during the Assembly elections.
But Lyting was silent when reporters asked him outside the court why he attacked the minister.
Attack condemned
The Laitumkhrah Dorbar Shnong Pyllun (LDSP) has condemned Tuesday night’s attack on Ampareen.
In a statement issued here on Wednesday, the LDSP said this despicable act not only poses a direct threat to the safety and security of a public figure but also undermines the democratic principles that form the foundation of the society.
“Any acts of violence and intimidation against our elected officials have no place in a civilized and democratic society. Regardless of political differences or disagreements, resorting to violence is a clear violation of the principles we hold dear. We firmly believe in fostering open dialogue, peaceful coexistence, and respectful engagement as the pathways to resolving differences and shaping our communities for the better,” LDSP said.
“Such acts not only jeopardise the safety and well-being of our elected representatives but also have a chilling effect on public discourse. We must all strive to create an environment where individuals can express their views freely, without fear of retribution or harm,” the LDSP added.
Voice of the People Party leader, Avner Pariat also condemned the attack on the minister.
He said steps should be taken to ensure such incidents do not occur again.
The youth wing of NPP Shillong City and East Khasi Hills women’s wing also condemned the attack on its senior leader.
The two party units also decided to write to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong to direct the police to severely punish the accused.