The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the state has come down heavily on the sporadic and random attacks of innocent commuters during an unemployment rally saying apology from the organisers is not enough but to bring those responsible to book.
The Federation of Khasi Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP), as organisers of the rally has already received flak from the citizens of the state after violence was unleashed on innocent passersby caught up in the fury of the mob.
As images and videos of the violence rapidly did the rounds on social media, FKJGP president Dundee C Khongsit had apologised for the violence, but said some of those at the rally are police aspirants who were frustrated because the recruitment result was not declared since 2019.
State BJP president, Ernest Mawrie said, “While an apology is a step in the right direction, it is merely not enough. The FKJGP should come forward and identify and handover all miscreants who were responsible for the assaults, rampage and vandalism.”
He also appealed to the organisation members to co-operate with the police to nab those seen in the video assaulting the public.
Stating a few people are responsible for the events yesterday that has tarnished the image of not only the pressure group but the community Mawrie said, “This incident has damaged the image of Shillong and Meghalaya all over the world as these negative news spreads like wild fire on social media.”
According to Mawrie the party higher ups are concerned about the breakdown of law and order in Shillong and he has also requested the Home Minister to conduct a fair enquiry into the incident.
He said he had specifically called for an enquiry into the role of the police, who were mere mute spectators as the security scenario in the state capital became a complete failure. “How can the state machinery remain a mute spectator to such a horrific event? All those entrusted with the security of public lives and property need to introspect on their designation and decide if they are fit enough, not only by qualification but more so morally to hold the position entrusted to them?,” he questioned.
Demanding compensation for those injured the BJP president said there is a need of a policy to be drawn about allowing the use of masks in such rallies.
Mawrie will also meet the highest officials of the Police Department to urge upon them to ensure that such brutal incidents are never repeated under their watch.
“Violence of any kind will not help generate any jobs anywhere in the world,” he added.
