From Our Correspondent
Tura, Sep 30: As has been done over the past 18 years, mourners and family of victims of one of the most tragic incidents that took place on September 30, 2005, gathered at twin sights in Williamnagar and Tura to hold a memorial service for the victims on Saturday.
Meanwhile, to pay homage to the nine victims of the tragedy, various NGOs of South West Garo Hills including the UGPF, FKJGP, ADE, AAYF, FAF, AAPE, and CSAWO observed a shutter-down in the memory of the victims.
The day, which is also known as ‘Black Friday’ was brought about after peaceful protests that were taking place against the bifurcation of MBOSE between Tura and Shillong, turned violent after one of the leaders of the protest was arrested and the protest declared unlawful. MBOSE was then headquartered in Tura.
Protests were being undertaken at the Chandmari playground where thousands had gathered and at Rongrenggre playground in Williamnagar, East Garo Hills.
The protest turned violent after protesters resorted to stone pelting in both Tura and Williamnagar which police resorted to firing leading to the death of nine protesters, five in Williamnagar and four in Tura.
Since the firing incident, the September 30 Victims’ Solidarity Forum has been holding memorial Church services every year at Chandmary playground in Tura and at Rongrenggre Government School Playground in Williamnagar. This year too, similar programmes took place in the towns of Tura and Williamnagar with other towns also joining in to remember the victims at the cenotaphs created to remember the victims. A candlelight vigil as well as a floral tribute was paid at the twin cenotaphs by mourners and family members.
The 30th September Victims’ Solidarity Forum has continued to demand justice for the victims despite the passage of time, though not much progress has been made on the demand by the state government.