The Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) has sought the Centre’s intervention into the recent IED blast at Them Ïew Mawlong here.
In a letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah today, HPC secretary Gurjit Singh said the blast that occurred on the night of March 9 has instilled a pervasive sense of fear among the residents.
Stating that walls and windows of many neighbouring houses and shops including the proposed community water supply area have been devastated by the blast, the HPC said that Lakhan Singh, a State cricketer and resident of Them Ïew Mawlong sustained injuries in the incident.
“It is pertinent to mention that the Sikhs of Punjabi Colony, who predominantly reside in, have been subjected to threats from various tribal groups through the media on a regular basis since the attack in 2018. These groups have been openly inimical to the presence of non-tribals in Meghalaya, creating a sustained atmosphere of intimidation and fear. There have been sporadic incidents of attacks on Sikhs too. They have not been reprimanded or stopped from spreading hate and prejudice. The case concerning the rights and residence of our community members is currently sub judice, with ongoing efforts between the Government of Meghalaya, Harijan Panchayat Committee, and other stakeholders to reach an amicable resolution. Despite numerous meetings and dialogues, tangible progress has been elusive. Even the promise of intervention by the Government of India, made in the wake of previous tensions, remains unfulfilled. We are confident that if the Union Government takes the initiative to resolve the matter, it should be easily possible,” Singh said.
“The recent blast, we fear, is a deliberate attempt to derail the fragile peace process. This incident is not isolated but is indicative of the larger issue of communal harmony and the safety of minority communities within the state of Meghalaya. The arrests in the case are indicative of acts of elements instilling fear and attempting to overawe the beleaguered residents of the Punjabi Colony,” he added.
The HPC leader also said that nobody from the State government – from the Chief Minister downwards has condemned the incident so far. “The political leadership which generally issues statements against Punjabi Colony residents at the drop of a hat, have not uttered a word or visited the area to express concern about the blast or support to the residents,” Singh pointed out.
Stating that the Union Government is duty bound to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights and safety of all its citizens, regardless of their ethnic or communal backgrounds, the HPC sought immediate attention and intervention by the Union home minister in this matter not only to ensure the safety of the residents of the area but also send a strong message against communal violence and intolerance. The HPC also urged the Centre to take up the Them Ïew Mawlong in a tripartite manner with the government of Meghalaya.
