Tura, Aug 13: The series of kidnapping and murder in Garo hills region has led to a “civil emergency”. The indefinite strike by State Bank of India, which entered in fourth day today added with closure of petrol pumps across Garo hills for second consecutive day have literally thrown public lives out of gear.
An assistant of SBI Subodh Kumar Mishra was abducted at gunpoint on August 5 from Gasuapara in South Garo Hills. Yesterday’s a petrol pump worker was shot dead by unidentified assailant in the outskirt of Tura.
The impact has been so much that even government employee have failed to attend duties in different rural areas of Garo hills. “ATMs are closed, petrol pumps are shut. We have no option but to stay back”, said a government servant.
Public transport to different rural areas has almost come to a halt.
“We understand that it is a sensitive matter. It is an irreparable lost for the family. We condemn the act of perpetrators of the crime. Administration has to find out ways to sort out the problem”, said a local resident, who did not wish to be quoted.
Fear has gripped the minds of the people. The anti-social element, vested groups and militants have expanded their tentacles even in the heart of Tura town. At about 8 pm yesterday, an employee of a wine store was attacked at Chandmari, a few meters away from police beat house.
“It is a sorry state of affairs. It is unsafe to travel anywhere”, remarked an office goer.
The Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union has decided to cease operation to Meghalaya from August 18. The union supplies petrol and gas to Meghalaya.
Spokesperson of National Peoples’ Party, James K. Sangma has condemned the cold blooded murder of the petrol pump worker, Bittu Patel.
“Bittu Patel has fallen victim to another case of violence which is sweeping the entire Garo hills. The NPP extends its condolence to the family members of the victim and also demands for a compensation of Rs. 10 lakh. The killers must also be brought to justice immediately”, said Sangma in a statement.
He also told that the incident has clearly demonstrated complete failure of chief minister, Mukul Sangma in handling the prevailing law and order situation in Garo hills.
“NPP wonders as to how many more innocent lives must be lost before this government wakes up and takes action”, he added.
The Assam Petroleum Mazdoor Union dashed off a letter to home minister, Roshan Warjri to take immediate attention on the issue, failing which they will stopped their supply of petroleum and gas products to Meghalaya.
“We demand adequate security to all petrol pumps in the state of Meghalaya. The government should compensate the victims’ family and serve severe punishment to the guilty”, said Ramen Das.
The body has served an ultimatum of August 17 to the government of Meghalaya. “There have been many incidents, where workers, drivers have been harassed by anti-social elements, especially in Garo hills. Time and again government has assured us but they have failed to fulfil their promise”, added Das.
He pointed that government had assured compensation for the victim of December 11 attack on Chasingre petrol pump in the outskirt of Tura, which was not honoured.
“If the situation is not rectified by the government in Meghalaya, we will protest across North East”, said Das. (SP News)
