Shillong, Jun 16: The Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association (MHWA) today expressed its “profound shock and grief” over the deaths of two members of the Hajong community in Shillong on Sunday and has called on police to investigate their demise thoroughly.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem yesterday said that preliminary findings suggested suicide as the most likely reason behind the deaths of Simanta Hajong (21) and Prinomi Hajong (22). However, police are awaiting the post-mortem report, which will be ready in around a week’s time.
The MHWA, in a statement, called the deaths “tragic and suspicious”. The two were found dead, apparently by hanging, in Nongthymmai. Syiem said that they were in a relationship and both were residents of South West Khasi Hills, though from different towns.
“The untimely and tragic loss of two young lives has deeply saddened the entire Hajong community and all those who value justice and human dignity. The circumstances surrounding their deaths have raised serious concerns and have caused immense anguish among their family members, relatives, friends and the public at large,” the MHWA said, while extending its condolences to the bereaved families.
It also urged the government and police to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency.
“We demand a fair, impartial, transparent and fast-track investigation to uncover the truth behind these deaths and ensure that justice is delivered without delay,” the association said. “Those responsible, if any, must be identified and brought to justice in accordance with the law. We call upon the Government of Meghalaya to closely monitor the investigation and ensure that no stone is left unturned in establishing the facts of the case. The families of the deceased and the public deserve answers, accountability and justice.”
