With Shillong tense for the last few days following the Mukroh Massacre and with several instances of violence and assault carried out in the city during that time, East Shillong MLA Ampareen Lyngdoh has told Highland Post that violence cannot be answered with still more violence.
“We are all on the same page in demanding justice for the loss of lives but it is unfair and not right to want violence to be equated with some more violence,” Lyngdoh said. “We shall continue to protest. If organisations ask us to wear black flags, let us wear black flags. If protesters are requesting us to sign a referendum, let us sign a referendum. We will participate because we’re all feeling the loss but when we protest for justice for someone, we shall not oppress the justice of others.”
Observing that while there are those who genuinely want to remember the victims through a candlelight vigil, for example, she said there are some who misuse the platform and these violent tendencies of a few have crippled Shillong with residents plagued by a sense of insecurity and uncertainty, especially in times when students are preparing for their examinations.
The MLA also said that the destruction of public property is a destruction of one’s own assets.
“The government of Assam has come forward and has already proposed a CBI inquiry that has been accepted. The government of Meghalaya has also come forward with some very strong stance and until such time that that report is readied our children should be allowed to continue with their studies and attend to their academic needs and requirements,” Lyngdoh concluded.
