The Hynñiewtrep Integrated Territorial Organization (HITO) today criticised the manner in which show-cause notices were issued stating that the district administration harboured a step-motherly attitude in responding to complaints.
Drawing attention to the recent notices served to organisers of the gathering at Mawlai to protest the killing of ex-HNLC leader Cherishterfield Thangkhiew, besides the thousands that attended the funeral, HITO in a statement said that the law is subverted by the district administrations on numerous occasions and that the benchmark for a violation varies from incident to incident.
“Surprisingly, the district administration has issued prompt show cause notices to several selective individuals and groups only. For example, no legislator who attended the funeral was questioned neither score of pressure groups leaders which attended the funeral and the protest rally. In fact, our members were present at the funeral to pay our respects to the departed soul, but no action has been initiated against us,” HITO president Donbok Dkhar said.
Referring to a show-cause notice in the past, HITO said prompt and strict action was initiated against violators. It also questioned the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner for “sitting on” on a complaint lodged by them on violation of Covid protocols and SOPs by the BJP by organising a booth level meeting of the 19-South Shillong Legislative Assembly at Assam Club in Laban on July 31.
“Why is the DC silent on this despite a formal complaint being lodged by HITO against the DC and SP for allowing the political event which had no relation to Covid-19 management or relief measures etc.?” the statement asked.
Asking the district administration to take immediate and effective steps to address its complaint HITO said if nothing is done then it would only indicate that the district administration is merely a tool of the anti-people government of the day.
