SHILLONG: In response to the tragic incident of violence that claimed the lives of two in Ichamati, East Khasi Hills, the state government has announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased.
Chief Secretary DP Wahlang confirmed that the disbursement of the amount will be undertaken by the Sohra Sub Divisional Officer on Monday, a local news portal reported.
Earlier today, the bodies of the victims were transported from Shillong Civil Hospital to Ichamati, accompanied by grieving family members.
While Sujij’s body was cremated, Ishan was laid to rest in the village.
Both Singh and Dutta were labourers involved in loading limestones into trucks, and were reportedly ambushed while returning from work.
While the government had imposed Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) in the area, emerging reports indicate that it may take several more days for normalcy to return as villagers express concerns about safety and security.
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Initial reports suggested that the victims were brutally beated, leading to their untimely demise.
The perpetrators of the crime remain at large as the police continue their investigation into the matter.
The incident occurred following an anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) rally organised by the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) on March 27.
Meanwhile, the Hynniewtrep National Youth Front (HNYF) and the Federation of Khasi-Jaintia and Garo Peoples (FKJGP) have voiced their objections to the Coordination and Welfare Committee (CWC) of Shella-Bholaganj Block and adjoining areas for attributing responsibility to the KSU for the murders.
HNYF president Sadon K Blah criticised the CWC’s attempt to communalise the incident, urging for an impartial investigation by the police.
The Meghalaya Linguistic Minority Development Forum (MLMDF) has also announced plans to organise a protest in response to the deaths of Singh and Dutta.
On March 30, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma assured that the investigation into the Ichamati deaths is being vigorously pursued, with several individuals already identified.
“We have identified several suspects and are proceeding in accordance with the law. Rest assured, those responsible will face the full force of justice,” the Chief Minister was quoted as saying by a local daily.
Despite the filing of two First Information Reports (FIRs) and the initiation of a magisterial inquiry, no arrests have been made thus far in connection with the case.
