Shillong, Dec 03: A special court on Tuesday began proceedings against leaders of 14 pro-Inner Line Permit pressure groups demanding implementation of the ILP and the court has issued a damage suit of Rs 31.09 crore against them.
The Civil Society Women’s Organisation which has recently decided to withdrew from the agitating groups have appeared before the court of R Rymbai, which was constituted last month.
CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing and General Secretary W Thabah appeared in person before the court who were directed by the court to appoint a legal counsel and file a written statement on their own behalf. The damage suit was filed by B Khongwir, the Political Department Under Secretary.
As per the documents, the loss caused on the State Government exchequer in the context of monthly outgo of salary to the Government employees including teachers at the rate of Rs approximately Rs 200.00 crore per month works out to Rs 25.94 crores for the ten days of bandhs and office picketing called by NGOs including GNLA bandh in Garo Hills in the month of September
The state also suffered a daily loss of revenue collection by Department of Tax on account of the bandh, office picketing is Rs 1.7 crores.
CSWO President Agnes Kharshiing said, “We have sought time to reply to the damaged suit.”
While denying that the NGOs were involved in the violent incidents, she said that the some one else are indulging in the violent activities and NGOs are being blamed.
Though the State Government has also added the loss caused due to absence of Government employees in offices during bandhs and office picketing, Agnes Kharshiing said, “We did not stopped any one from attending office and Government can suspend any one if they wish.” She also said they will challenge the damage suit legally.
The front organisations of pro-ILP organisations like the Khasi Students Union, the Federation of Khasi Jaintia and Garo People and the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front and 11 others were charged with sponsoring the shutdowns, picketing and blockades which the government said were unconstitutional and illegal.
The pro-ILP groups were demanding implementation of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations Act, 1873 which facilitated restricted entry of outsiders to the state as was the case in Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. None of the pro-ILP group leaders turn up at the hearing on the first day.
Altogether 71 activists were arrested and 86 criminal cases were registered against them which included arson, murder, attempt to murder and other violent acts.(SP News)
