Shillong, Nov 11:The Meghalaya government is exploring the possibility of working with the three autonomous district councils (ADCs) to bring about a law that would specifically address crimes arising from accusations of witchcraft.
Adviser to the Social Welfare Department and former minister Paul Lyngdoh today said the matter is under consideration and would require careful examination by the Law Department.
“This is a sensitive issue,” Lyngdoh said. “While many of these practices have deep traditional roots, they often run contrary to the principles of justice and the rule of law. The Law Department will need to carefully study the matter before any legislative step is taken.”
He added that framing such a law would also call for collaboration with the ADCs, which have legislative powers within their jurisdictions.
“If the need for a law arises, we would look at a consultative process involving the ADCs and the state government,” he explained. “Each council has its own Law Department and, through coordination, we can either draft a state-level law or empower the councils to legislate on the matter, with the Governor’s assent.”
Lyngdoh noted that while incidents linked to witchcraft have decreased in recent years, isolated cases continue to surface. He cited the recent incident at Khliehshnong Sohra, where police intervened swiftly to stop a mob from lynching a family accused of practising witchcraft. Nine people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the attack.
Following the incident, the Social Welfare Department stepped in to ensure the victims’ safety. “Our team immediately moved in to rescue the families and provide protection,” Lyngdoh said. “After assessing the situation and ensuring that their safety was guaranteed, the families have now returned to their homes.”
