Assembly panel chief visits Langtor village after death of mother, child

SHILLONG, April 15: In the aftermath of a deeply tragic incident that claimed the lives of a young mother and her infant, the Chairperson of the Committee on Empowerment of Women, Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Santa Mary Shylla, on Tuesday visited Langtor village in Eastern West Khasi Hills to meet the grieving family and assess the situation on the ground.
The visit followed the discovery of the bodies of (Late) Darisha Lyngdoh and her two-month-old child at a water collection site in Kynshi village on March 2, a day after the two were reported missing. The harrowing incident has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted renewed calls for enhanced safety measures for women and children in the state’s rural pockets.
During the visit, Shylla, accompanied by fellow committee members, visited the site where the bodies had been recovered and paid their respects by observing a two-minute silence in memory of the deceased. The delegation subsequently proceeded to Mairang Police Station, where they met with the Additional Superintendent of Police and the Officer-in-Charge to review the progress of the ongoing investigation.
Joining the Chairperson were committee members Matthew Beyondstar Kurbah, Adelbert Nongrum, and Brightstarwell Marbaniang. The Deputy Commissioner of Eastern West Khasi Hills, Anita Kharpor, senior police officials, village elders, and residents were also present during the visit.
The bereaved family has expressed serious doubts over the circumstances leading to Darisha’s death, firmly rejecting the possibility of suicide or accidental drowning. They have demanded a thorough, impartial investigation and called on the authorities to ensure that justice is served without delay.
The Committee on Empowerment of Women has reiterated its concern over the vulnerabilities faced by women and children in remote villages and emphasised the urgent need for stronger protective mechanisms and timely interventions to prevent such incidents.