Many Garo organizations from both Meghalaya and Assam have joined in the clamour in the demand for a high-level investigation into the deaths of two people from their tribe in the state of Haryana.
Tura MP Agatha Sangma has also joined in by writing to Union Home Minister Amit Shah to ask for an investigation, saying that, prima facie, it appears a case of “orchestrated homicide”.
Rose Sangma and her nephew Samuel Sangma died under mysterious circumstances in Haryana, prompting many sections of Garo society to come out in anger against their deaths. While Rose died, apparently of natural causes, Samuel was found hanging in the hotel where he stayed. His family, however, pointed to an unnatural death after there were visible signs of injury on his body.
Rose and Samuel are both residents of Nagaland but hail from Karbi Anglong in Assam.
“Several videos and voice recordings by the deceased (Samuel) have gone viral on social media clearly showing one doctor assaulting him and his tormented pleadings for justice for his relative who died due to medical mistreatment. What must be investigated is whether the ice cream given to an ICU patient is correct or the ice-cream has a substance which contributed to Rose Sangma’s demise. Another video shows bruises and cuts on his legs which may have been the result of criminal assault. His death could well be a murder case,” said GSU president, Tengsak Momin while seeking an investigation into the matter.
The NGO further highlighted many cases of racial discrimination that have been perpetrated on residents of North East in the mainland while thanking everyone that stood by the families of the deceased.
Further AHAM, another Garo organization, has written to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi seeking his intervention into the matter.
“We appeal to the CM of Haryana, Manohar Lal Khattar and to the CMs of Meghalaya and Nagaland to not let the deaths of Rose and Samuel go in vain. The family is in trauma and need to know the truth of what led to their deaths. We stand with the families of the victims,” said Brayan Marak, the president of the Assam Border Association.
Congress MLA from Mendipathar, Marthon Sangma has also come out in support of a thorough investigation into the matter.
“I would like to ask the government of Meghalaya to seek a high-level investigation into the deaths of Rose and Samuel as there is every reason to suspect foul play in their deaths,” said Marthon.
Meanwhile, to show solidarity with the victims and their families, a candle light service was held in the village of Nishangram on the border between Assam and Meghalaya by ASYFI and UGACMC.