SHILL/TURA, JUNE 10: While thousands turnout to protest against the barbaric killing of thirty-five years old Jospin M Sangma, mother of four children, by militants in Garo hills, people were seen hurrying home in Shillong in response to the 24 hours bandh call given by the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) on Tuesday against the decision of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) banning rat hole mining of coal in the state.
In Garo hills the Mothers Union organised a silent protest against the horrific killing of Jospin in remote village in Garo hills by militants today and thousands of people participated carrying placards reading “
“Enough crime, enough militancy” and “Time to do away with them.”
Jospin was brutally killed in front of her four minor children and husband who watched helplessly. She was allegedly killed by Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) on June 3 evening.
Thousands of people turned out at Chandmari playground to pray for the bereaved family and condemned the inhumane act of the militants. The people raised their voice in unison against such killing and saying, “Let us build peace and harmony”.
Several ngos and church organisations joined the silent protest and Bishop of Tura, Rev Fr. Andrew Marak also attended the procession.
“The militant has put our community to shame. We condemn their act. They should stop their cowardly acts. Meghalaya government should ensure that this is to put to an end”, said Viola Sonatchi B. Sangma,
former chairperson of Meghalaya Public Service Commission.
Former pro-vice Chancellor of ICFAI University Meghalaya, Milton Sangma said, “Random killing, extortion and kidnapping should be stopped. The violence must end! It is hurting the people. The gun
culture should stop for once and all. The outfits should accept the clarion call of the government and come forward for negotiation.”
Milton said New Delhi should intervene in the present crisis and appoint an officer to hold dialogue with the militants. He said, “People can’t live in constant fear anymore. Enough is enough!”
The silent procession passed through the main through fare of the town and culminated at Chandmari playground.
Shops and business establishment downed their shutter from 3 pm to 5 pm as a mark of condemnation.
In Shillong, people were seen rushing home late in the evening as some did minute shopping in response to the 24 hours bandh call given by the HNLC to protest against the NGT directive continuing the ban on rat hole mining of coal in the state.
The HNLC said that the ban on rat hole mining of coal has affected the livelihood of many people who are directly and indirectly connect with the coal business.
The bandh is effective from Tuesday 6 pm to Wednesday 6 pm.- By Our Bureau
Dear Garo friends, it is the high time for all of you to vote for change. forget Mukul Sangma and his people but vote for the right leaders who will take care of you all and not shield the militants…