Conclave on superstition

SHILLONG, AUG 22: The Shillong Press Club (SPC) in collaboration with ICARE (Informed Conscious And Responsible Existence) will be holding a ‘People’s Conclave’ on Saturday at the Khasi National Durbar Hall, Mawkhar on the theme “The Price of Superstition” at 11 am.

Informing this SPC president, David Laitphlang and general secretary, Powell Sohkhlet stated that the conclave is aimed at soliciting people’s views on repeated incidents of killing, ostracism and other acts that infringe on basic human rights simply due to superstitious beliefs.

“Though the government machinery and civil society groups regularly embark on exercises to sensitise people on the ill effects of such beliefs that often lead to tragedies, yet nothing seems to quell such behavior which is easily passed off as traditional belief,” said the statement while adding, “It is time that all stakeholders come forward and talk about this issue which is stifling the fundamental right to life of the citizens of the state.”

Representation from all sections of society, faith based organizations and civil society has been solicited which has received excellent response. Organisations participating in the conclave include the Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong, Lympung ki Seng Kynthei, Synjuk ki Seng Samla Shnong, the Catholic and Presbyterian Church, Seng Khasi, Sein Raij, Khasi Students’ Union, Federation of Khasi Jaintia & Garo People, Meghalaya Women’s Alliance, Civil Society Women’s Organisation, Meghalaya College Teachers’ Association and the Meghalaya People’s Human Rights Council amongst others.

Besides the above, there will also be representation from the district administration, police, individuals and concerned citizens of the State.

It is expected that the conclave will dwell at length on this serious issue that is plaguing the state and troubling the common man for years and that hopefully a resolution maybe adopted to address this menace more effectively.- By Our Reporter