A 33 year old woman was assaulted by her relatives over suspicion of ‘men ai ksuid’ (witchcraft). The alleged incident took place at Lummawbah (Dong Lawlyngdoh) on November 28.
Balarina M Nongrum, a widow with two children was rescued by social activist Angela Rangad and Agnes Kharshiing on Monday night after she and her two brothers were assaulted at around 10 pm.
Narrating the incident, Nongrum told Highland Post that she had come out of the house when she heard her two brothers—Donbok Nongrum and Windy Nongrum—quarrel outside with their cousins and only to find them injured. While trying to defend them, she was viciously attacked from behind, punched and kicked by her relatives who are identified as Steven Nongrum, Franklin Nongrum and Barilin Nongrum.
The assault was not for the first time. According to Nongrum, she was subjected to assaults and discrimination for eight times since her husband passed away in 2014 and being held responsible for his death.
“Ever since my husband passed away I faced discrimination of sorts like not being welcomed by my presence in funerals or any gathering. I was judged and accused of indulging in black magic and spitted upon many times. I have been living under constant fear for years because my house has come under attack most times. They would hurl stones and would get looks of disgust,” she said.
Every time Nongrum protested to the assaults, she was scoffed at by the relatives who would call her ‘men ai ksuid.’
She further said that during the Covid-19 induced lockdown she was not provided with relief and this was not by the dorbar. “There are some boys from the locality, who are in the good books of my relatives who did not allow supply of essential commodities even as my brother Donbok was infected with the virus.”
Her ordeal was known to the social activists and the Monday assault was a situation that made her unbearable. “My brothers were hiding in the garden, while I with blood all over my face and head was taking shelter with my children under the bed after the assault. It was there that I could send a voice message to Kong Angela who immediately came with the police to rescue us,” Nongrum said.
She is currently undergoing treatment at the Shillong Civil Hospital and awaits justice.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Sylvester Nongtnger confirmed that an FIR was lodged on the assault, though withdrawn; police are taking up the case.
Meanwhile, one of the accused persons, Steven Nongrum collapsed at a birthday party last night in Shillong Club and was declared brought dead by the doctors in Shillong Civil Hospital.
“Now again they will charge me with practising black magic,” Nongrum terrified by the news of his death said urging authorities to ensure the safety of her 10-year old and five-year old children.
Meanwhile, secretary of Dong Lawlyngdoh, Arju Dkhar has condemned the assault and assured that the dorbar shnong will ensure the safety of the family.
