Shillong, March 30: The President of the Coordination and Welfare Committee Shella Bholaganj Block and adjoining areas, Mr. Goal Dey has written to the Chief Minister Mr. Conrad K Sangma on the killing of the two peoples at Ichamati in broad daylight on the 27/March/2024.
In the letter they seeking immediate arrest of the culprits and perpetrators and to hand the investigation to the Central Agencies and paid compensation to victim’s family and safety- security of the people in the area of lchamati and adjourning area.
In the letter sent to the Chief Minister stated that two non tribals namely Ishan Singh and Sujit Dutta were murdered by miscreants at Ichamati and in the letter alleged the Khasi Stuedents Union (KSU).
Mr. Gopal mention in the letter Ichamati, a village in East khasi hills district of Meghalaya which is exempted from the CAA by virtue of being a Sixth Scheduled State, is the place where Khasi Students Union organised an anti CAA rally which led to the murder of Ishan Singh and Sujit Dutta.
In this situation of fear and uncertainty that they are experiencing now, few questions arise in their mind, how was such a rally allowed in lchamati, When the code of conduct was in force.
Where was the police when groups of Meghalaya majority Community in vehicles arived at lchamati and made unprovoked attacks on non-tribal minority communities resulting in vandalism and kiling of one poor Bengali and one Adivashi stone quarry labourer.
Is the state Government only a government of a particular community? are Non Tribals not voters, residents of Meghalaya, is the government not capable enough to take action against the group of Meghalaya, how many more deaths will it take for the State and Central government to hear the cries of the Non Tribal community of Meghalaya.
Will a Father who lost his son get justice, the incident occurred post an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rally, even after witnessing such situation in 2020 lchamati violence, why did the authorities give permission for organization of such rally at the same place.
Mr. Gopal Dey said that he written this letter to the Chief Minister for Justice for the two deceased and their families and all other sons and daughters of Meghalaya who face discrimination in one way or another just because they do not belong to the majority community.
Mr. Gopal express hi concern regarding the current condition of non-tribal communities in Meghalaya. The state’s unique tribal-centric laws and regulations, while intended to protect the indigenous tribes, have inadvertently created challenges for non-tribal residents.
There are Several restriction, Several rules, several law apparently applicable only to non tribals of Meghalaya has made it difficult for non-tribals to settle and invest in the state, limiting their economic opportunities, livelihood, freedom and ultimately life itself.
Another challenge faced by non-tribal communities is the lack of political representation. The tribal-centric political system in Meghalaya often marginalizes non-tribal voices, making it challenging for them to have a meaningful say in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
Furthermore, non-tribal communities in Meghalaya often face social discrimination and exclusion, which can impact their quality of life and sense of belonging in the state.
This discrimination can manifest in various forms, including limited access to housing, education, and employment opportunities and in extreme cases to loss of property and life itself.
It is important to recognize that all residents of Meghalaya, regardless of their tribal status, should be treated with dignity and have equal rights and opportunities. He urge the authorities to consider the following recommendations to improve the condition of non-tribals in Meghalaya:
They demand for Immediate arrest of the culprits behind the murder of the two non tribals so that the Non Tribal community can get a sense of security in the state. If the Local police are unable to nab the perpetrators within a week, the investigation should be handed over to CBI or NIA.
Ensure that non-tribal communities are protected from such violent crimes and prevent the continuous attack and nefarious activities against the minorities of the state of Meghalaya. Also a permanent security outpost and CRPF or any Para-military camp or post must be established in sensitive areas like Bholaganj and Ichamati.
Most pressure groups since their inception has been responsible for spreading hatred against the non- tribal minority communities of Meghalaya and consider Non Tribals “Outsiders”.
In one way or another inaction of the ruling Government of the state has led the miscreants of the pressure groups to believe that they are above law. Thus, strict laws should be made so that the government cannot shirk their responsibility and perpetrators are booked and do not merely remain in books as “Unknown Miscreants”.
Take measures to address social discrimination and promote inclusivity and diversity in the state so that tribals and Non tribals can both live peacefully and harmoniously in the state.
Provide support and assistance to non-tribal communities to enhance their socio-economic well-being and integration into Meghalayan society.said Mr. Gopal Dey President of the CWC Shella Block in the letter to the Chief Minister.
