Kharkutta: People came out in large numbers today at Kharkutta in North Garo Hills to register their protest against the alleged killing of two civilians by the army.
A crowd of over 3,000 people converged at Kharkutta mini stadium and sought action against the erring army personnel. The rallyists denounced the magisterial probe, saying it will serve no purpose the as army has owned responsibility for the killing.
Alphius Momin and Sweetbirth Marak from Rajasimla village where shot on Wednesday when they failed to stop their bike during an army checking at Konchikol village, near Kharkutta.
The rallyists wore black badges as a mark of protest against the alleged “highhandedness” of the army. The rallyists served a 15-day deadline to the government to meet their demands, failing which the people will launch a vigorous agitation.
The rally was spearheaded by a conglomeration of local citizens’ organisations, including the Garo Students Union (GSU). Kharkutta legislator Cherak W. Momin and district council member Smith Momin were also present at the rally, The Telegraph reported.
Speaking to the media, GSU activist Rupa Marak said, “There is no need for a magisterial probe when the army has owned up to the killing. We want the personnel involved in the incident punished.”
The activist also termed the incident a “cold-blooded murder”.
The protesters have sought Rs 10 lakh compensation each for the bereaved families. They have also urged the Meghalaya government to seek the removal of the army along the Assam-Meghalaya border, where the army can conduct operations within the radius of 20km.
The protesters also urged the militant outfits to come forward for talks. “The government should show its keenness to initiate talks with rebels for peace to prevail in Garo hills,” Marak added.
Speaking to the crowd at the rally, Momin said, “AFSPA does not empower the army to intrude into Meghalaya without informing the local police. The army has to stop killing innocent civilians. This is the second case of army killing at Kharkutta this year.”
In March, the army had allegedly killed two civilians.
The MLA also assured the public that he would urge the government to upgrade Kharkutta police outpost to a full-fledged police station.
“The magisterial probe will pinpoint the guilty personnel,” said Smith Momin, a member of the district council.
“We will stand by our demand for immediate punishment of the guilty, Rs 10 lakh as compensation and removal of the army from the state completely,” said GSU activist Wilness Marak.
After the rally, the citizens’ organisations met the families of the victims to provide moral support while also promising to continue the fight for justice.
The Garo Hills State Movement Committee today dashed off a letter to defence minister Manohar Parrikar seeking his intervention.
In its memorandum, the committee sought a transparent probe into the killing and removal of the personnel involved.
The committee is a conglomeration that includes the Garo Students’ Union, All A’chik Students’ Association, Tura Govt College Students’ Union, All A’chik Youth Federation and All Garo Hills People’s Federation.