One sentenced to 7 years in WGH for kidnapping
TURA, Aug 9: A resident of Phulbari in West Garo Hills who was earlier accused of kidnapping a 14 year old girl and keeping her in an undisclosed location, has been convicted to serve 7 years in jail along with other fines. According to police, Md Anishur Rahman aka Rahul son of Md Sarhab Ali of Chibinang market under Phulbari Police station in West Garo Hills had in 2017 kidnapped the 14 year old minor and kept her confined. A case vide Tura Women Police Station Case No 17 (3) 2017 u/s 366A/368 IPC R/W Sec 3 (a) /4 POCSO Act was registered in this connection and investigation entrusted to UB/WPSI Renu D Momin. After completion of the trial, the accused was found guilty by the Court of Special Judge POCSO, West Garo Hills Tura and convicted. Accordingly, the court sentenced Rahman to serve a ‘Minimum imprisonment of 7 years along with a fine of Rs 5,000. In default of payment of fine, the accused shall undergo another 3 months of simple imprisonment.
Bears destroy plantations; SWKH farmers seek protection from govt
Mawkyrwat, Aug 9: Farmers from Ngunraw village – 25 KMs from Mawkyrwat falling under South West Khasi Hills District – have expressed concerns and regreted after the plantations that they have taken care off for years were destroyed by wild animals. Kmindar Lyngkhoi, a 65-year-old farmer from Ngunraw village, informed that more than 100 bay leaf trees in his plantations alone were destroyed by some bears in the last few days. Other plants including black peppers and orange trees, which are the major sources of income for the people in Riwar area, were also destroyed by the wild beasts. Lyngkhoi also said that the bears always come at night and eat the fruits in the bay leaves thereby destroying branches of the trees. Lyngkhoi also informed that this is not the first time that the bears have come and destroyed the plantations, but it has also happened last year. “In my old age, sometimes when I watch my plantations being destroyed by wild animals costing lakhs of rupees I just cry alone,” Lyngkhoi said. Lyngkhoi therefore requested the state government through the District Administration to provide any assistance regarding this incident and at the same time to provide protection to the local farmers because the bears may also attack people.
MLCU prog on Int’l Day of World’s Indigenous Peoples
SHILLONG, Aug 9: The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples was observed by the Martin Luther Christian University at its Nongrah campus, here on Wednesday. Chief guest of the programme, Rudy Wahlang, founder of the internationally renowned Blues band Soulmate, highlighted the importance of observing such a day and the role it plays in sending a peace message The programme kick started with an interschool Quiz that focused on themes like current affairs, history, entertainment, sports and most importantly on indigenous culture marking the day of today’s occasion. Eight schools participated in the competition. BK Bajoria emerged as the winner, while Loreto Convent School took the second spot and St. Anthony’s Secondary School claimed the third place. Later, performances highlighting the rich culture of the Northeastern state were showcased. Other attractions were face paintings, a temporary tattoo exhibiting indigenous motifs and designs led by local artists Careen J Langstieh, Balaiamon Kharngapkynta andCasper Syiem. The Department of Nutrition and Dietetics arranged a food sale-cum-exhibition of traditional cuisines. Indigenous slow food and traditional snacks were prepared by the students from different Northeastern states for the exhibition.
