SHILLONG: Superstition kills! This very notion which is still very much prevalent in certain pockets of the state has for the past few years instilled a sense of insecurity, the act of which has dragged the term ‘Democracy’ to ‘Demon-crazy’.
It may be reminded that issue of Witch hunting or ‘Men ai Ksuid’ plagued the state for many years particularly in Khasi hills where cold blooded murders were committed by a few and instigated by many, incidents of which had sent waves of fear and terror amongst the residents of this diverse state.
To name a few areas where some of the infamous incidents took place, Sohra, Smit, Ri Bhoi, certain areas of West Khasi Hills, Mylliem area and few pockets of Mawlai town, though incidents of this sort at Mawlai has gone down. It may be recalled that a decade ago, all members of the same family were burned to death at Mawlai Phudmuri just because they were suspected to be ‘Men-ai-Ksuid’.
The similar incident was also reported just few years back at Smit village where a man and his son were skinned alive and stoned to death by a mob only because the duo were suspected of using black magic. However, police later found out that the mob was instigated by a few individuals, who were said to be related to the deceased persons.
There were even incidents at Sohra and other places where people suspected to be ‘men-ai- ksuid’ were forced to eat human excreta. The lowest form of punishment indeed!
With a view to enlighten the public and prevent such barbaric acts from taking place in the future, the East Khasi Hills District Police organised an awareness programme at Madanlyngdoh, Nongkynrih under Pynursla PS, with an aim to reach out to the population beyond Shillong.
Attending the programme as a resource person, Superintendent of Police East Khasi Hills, M Kharkrang discussed at length on Witch hunting or ‘Men ai Ksuid’ which has taken away many innocent lives.
Calling upon the people to cooperate with the police, Kharkrang said that awareness is very important, the absence of which will result in rights being trampled and innocence taken for granted.
Kharkrang also dwelled at length on the need to set up VDP in the villages, illegality of taking the law in their own hands, need to report a serious crime especially rape cases to police immediately and how late reporting can destroy the evidence, ill effects of drugs on the Society, ATM frauds. “The public need to inform the police if there is any reckless driving by public vehicle drivers in which they are travelling while commuting,” he said.
source:northeasttoday