Shri Gopal dey President of CWC Shella Block has  written letter to the Chief Minister  of Meghalaya

Subject: Brutal murder of two Non-tribal Hindus (Ishan Singh & Sujit Dutta) at Ichamati, Meghalaya on 27/03/2024 (during Lok Sabha poll process) in broad daylight by organised tribal hardliners- seeking immediate arrest of the culprits perpetrators, investigation by Central Agencies, compensation to victim’s family and safety-security of non-tribals Hindus of Ichamati & adjourning area.

With reference to the subject cited above Shri Gopal dey President of CWC Shella Block has  written letter to the Chief Minister  of Meghalaya about the current situation of Meghalaya where two non tribals namely Ishan Singh and Sujit Dutta were murdered in cold blood by miscreants of Khasi Students Union (KSU).
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 the non tribal  are experiencing now, with few questions in  mind as follows:

1. How was such a rally allowed in Ichamati? When the code of conduct was in force? 
2. Where was the police when groups of Meghalaya majority Community (KSU members) in vehicles arrived at Ichamati and made unprovoked attacks on non-tribal minority communities resulting in vandalism and killing of one poor Bengali and one Adivashi stone quarry labourer? 
3. Is the state Govt only a government of a particular community? Are Non Tribals not voters /Residents of Meghalaya?

4.Is the government not capable enough to take action against the Hardliner group of Meghalaya?

5.How many more deaths will it take for the State and Central government to hear the cries of the Non Tribal community of Meghalaya?

6. Will a Father who lost his son because of Miscreants of KSU ever get justice?

7.Even after witnessing such situation in 2020 Ichamati violence, why did the authorities give permission for organization of such rally at the same place?

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. Therefore, its high time that the authorities to consider the following recommendations to improve the condition of non-tribals in Meghalaya:

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 NIA.

Ensure that non-tribal communities are protected from such violent crimes and prevent the continuous attack and nefarious activities by Hardliner groups of Meghalaya against the minorities( Non Tribals) of the state of Meghalaya. Also a permanent security outpost/ CRPF/ 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.

This letter is appeal to the state government to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all residents of Meghalaya.

(This story has not been edited by News Mania staff and is published from a Media Release)