By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, March 28: An uneasy calm prevails in the volatile Ichamati area under Shella constituency in East Khasi Hills after Wednesday’s mayhem that resulted in the loss of two lives. Residents of this trouble-torn border area are silent on the gruesome murder fearing backlash, but what defies all logic is the stony silence of the NPP-led MDA Government and Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on the twin murders that blew to smithereens the government’s tall claims of having a firm grip on the law-and-order situation in the state.
Sangma, who is active on social media, has been posting about his election campaigns on X but he has been agonisingly quiet about the Ichamati killings.
The Shillong Times contacted the Chief Minister’s Office on Thursday but there was no response.
Attempts to contact Deputy Chief Minister in charge of Home (Police), Prestone Tynsong proved to be futile as his phone was not reachable.
However, the VPP condemned the Ichamati killings and urged the state government to take steps to prevent the situation from becoming more volatile and to ensure that no anti-social element takes advantage of the situation. “The VPP would like to urge the people to maintain peace and tranquillity in the state. The recent incident where two persons died/murdered is very unfortunate and condemnable,” VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh told The Shillong Times.
“The state government is further urged to investigate all the murder cases in the state with the same level of seriousness and ensure that justice is served,” he added.
The State BJP also condemned the killing of two individuals in Ichamati and demanded strong action.
“Everybody has a right to agitate; it is a democratic thing but to be inhumane is something that should be condemned. I fully condemn anything that is inhumane to any community,” Cabinet minister and senior BJP leader AL Hek said.
The Meghalaya Linguistic Minority Development Forum (MLMDF) condemned the tragic loss of lives of two persons belonging to the minority communities in Ichamati.
“The MLMDF, a registered organisation, formed particularly to protect and safeguard the rights and for the wellbeing of the linguistic minorities in Meghalaya, strongly condemns and expresses deep sorrow and outrage at the tragic loss of two innocent lives belonging to the minority community in Ichamati, identified as Ishan Singh and Sujit Dutta (Phuruin Dutta) on Wednesday,” said a statement in this regard.
“The reign of racial terror that prevails in Ichamati, and the senseless and brutal deaths of these individuals serve as a stark reminder of the persistent violence and discrimination faced by minority groups in our society. It is utterly unacceptable that members of linguistic minority communities continue to be targeted and subjected to such heinous acts,” the statement said.
The MLMDF called for swift and thorough investigation by the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. “We demand adequate compensation to the families of the deceased. MLMDF stands in solidarity with the families of the victims during this difficult time and extends our deepest condolences. We urge for unity and collective action to combat bigotry and ensure the safety and dignity of all minority communities across our nation,” it added.