Shillong, Aug 23: Extending solidarity to the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) amid ongoing unrest in Shillong, former militant Champion R Sangma from Songsak in East Garo Hills has issued an appeal for justice and dialogue, stating that the five points of demand raised by the KSU are “real, genuine and non-negotiable.”
In a statement titled ‘Appeal for Justice and Dialogue’, Sangma said the demands are not bargaining chips but the cries of people whose patience has been tested for long. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he said, urging the government to begin talks immediately.
Sangma warned that ignoring voices leads to street protests. “When dialogue dies, the streets speak. Anything can happen when a mob gathers out of frustration, anger and hopelessness,” he stated.
Sangma was a former police officer who left the force to lead the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA). He was arrested in July 2012 and has faced or continues to face numerous charges, among the most serious of which are murder, kidnapping and waging war against the nation.
He said maintaining law and order is the sacred duty of the state machinery and it must be well equipped, prepared and informed. “If the state fails in this duty, then the state alone must own the responsibility,” he said.
“If any untoward incident occurs, let it be known: the local people cannot and should not be blamed. The government must come forward and take full responsibility. The government must express regret. The government must compensate for every loss, every damage – not only in Assam, but here at home too,” he added.
He pointed to damage to taxis, buses, Boleros and private vehicles belonging to poor families. “Their bread and butter was set on fire. A government that cannot protect property cannot claim to protect people,” Sangma said.
Sangma also questioned the recent candle light services held for peace, terming them as tools in the hands of a helpless government.
“What is this sudden ‘Candle Light Service’? Where were these brokers and mediators when the fire was burning? They appear like tools in the hands of a helpless government. They come with candles and Bibles in their hands, take photos, say prayers, and then vanish into thin air,” he said.
“Where were you when KSU stood alone? Where were your candles when our youth cried for justice? These so-called religious people keep distance in the hour of need, and appear only when the government needs to cool down the heat,” he added.
Reiterating his support, he said, “I stand with KSU. A genuine demand can never be sold out. A genuine voice can never be silenced.”
He called for immediate talks between the government and KSU. “Because peace is not the absence of tension, but the presence of justice. Let us choose dialogue over destruction. Let us choose truth over temporary fixes,” he said.
