Tura, June 04: The gruesome murder of a 35-year-old woman at Goera Rongat, near Chokpot in South Garo Hills by suspected Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) has send shivers across the state.
The woman, mother of four minor children was killed yesterday evening around 6:30 pm.
Goera Rongat, a highly militancy infested region in South Garo Hills is about 80 km from Tura.
IGP (operations), GHP Raju said, “The group of militants locked her husband in the house, and attempted to rape, in presence of her four minor children. They were around 5 armed militants. Her head was completely blown off, they used AK rifle and fired 5 to 6 shots on her head”.
He confirmed that the incident is a handiwork of GNLA, led by its Chokpot area commander, Kiljang R. Sangma. “The militant have branded the family as a police informer. It is a gruesome murder of an innocent lady”, said Raju.
Meghalaya chief minister, Mukul Sangma has condemned the heinous crime. “I condemn the ghastly act of the militants in the strongest possible word. Every right thinking citizen should condemn it”.
Home Minister, Roshan Warjiri said, “It is shocking, we condemn the cold-blooded murder”. The minister is holding a meeting with DGP to review the law and order situation in the area.
“I will send a team led by senior police officers to Garo hills to take stock of the situation”, said Warjiri.
Terming the incident as barbaric and inhumane, social welfare minister, Deborah Marak condemned the incident. “It is very unfortunate that a mother of four was killed by the militants in presence of her four children. It is sad and depressing to hear such reports of chaos from remote insurgency hit villages of Garo hills”.
She said her department will hold a meeting to discuss the issue and apprise the home minister and chief minister.
Condemning the incident, Tura MP, Purno Agitok Sangma said, “Violence against woman is increasing in Meghalaya. National People’s Party will meet MoS Home, Kiran Rijiju to brief him about the ongoing law and order problem in the state”.
Chief opposition whip, NPP legislator James K Sangma asked, “When will the government wake up? How many more killings will take place?”
The opposition in Meghalaya is arming to raise the detoriating law and order problem of Garo hills in the upcoming assembly session, which begins from June 6.
Social networking site is abuzz with condemnation pouring in.
SBI’s assistant general manager, Nixon Joseph said, “Sad! Garo hills is vying to be the worst place in India”.
A university student, Barfi Rangsa said, “This kind of killings, kidnappings has become a routine in Garo hills. It is unstoppable!”
A government employee, Louvre Venus Rangsa said, “It is high time for the NGOs to raise voice against underground outfits, and not only against police”.
A teacher in a government school, James Nokseng G. Momin said, “Where are the human rights when militants kill? Is it only the police who violate human rights? Militants are the highest order of hypocrites not to mention cowards”.
An entrepreneur, Mikseng Sangma said, “Home Minister, you are a woman too! Have mercy on other helpless women… Please stop these random killings! We need Army here in Garo Hills. ASAP!!
A research scholar, Mautushi Das said, “I condemn the act and request home minister to take advance step to control militancy in Garo hills. Public should not just be audience to the show. Even we should take necessary steps peacefully to restore peace in Garo hills, which was a heaven few years back”.
