SHILLONG: The recent murder of two non-tribals in East Khasi Hills’ Ichamati has drawn sharp reactions from various organisations across the nation.
Among the latest voices condemning the incident is the Greater Noida-based Bongo Bhashi Mahasabha Foundation (BBMF).
In letters addressed to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Commission on Tuesday, the BBMF has urged immediate action regarding the murders of Ishan Singh and Sujit Dutta on March 27.
The BBMF has called for a thorough investigation by a central agency and strict punishment for those responsible for the twin murders.
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The organisation urgently sought the intervention of authorities to ensure the immediate arrest of the culprits, a thorough probe into the incident by central agencies, compensation for the victims’ families, and guarantee of safety and security of non-tribal Hindus in Ichamati and its surrounding regions
The organisation highlighted that the murders occurred following an anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) rally in Ichamati, raising concerns over the permission granted for such an event in a Sixth Scheduled area exempt from the CAA.
Earlier on April 4, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) had also reacted to the incident, urging President Droupadi Murmu to intervene.
The VHP too had called for a comprehensive investigation by central agencies into the deaths allegedly resulting from the anti-CAA rally.
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In response to the VHP’s appeal, the Khasi Students Union (KSU) had cautioned against external interference in the state’s internal affairs.
KSU’s general secretary, Donald V Thabah, ehad stressed that the VHP should refrain from meddling in the internal matters of Meghalaya, citing the organisation’s status as a “foreign entity”.
Previously, two members of the KSU were arrested in connection with the tragic killings of two individuals in Ichamati.
Identified as Shamborlang Shati and Mesadapbor Skhembil, both aged 26, they were apprehended from their residences in Sohra (Cherrapunji).