A CORRESPONDENT
HAFLONG: The Bangali Kalyan Parishad, Dima Hasao, has strongly condemned the reported incidents of violence and vandalism during a Khasi Students' Union (KSU) rally in Shillong.
In a statement issued on Friday, the organisation, described as the apex body of Hindu Bengalis in Dima Hasao, expressed deep concern over the reported vandalism of statues of Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, as well as attacks on vehicles and civilians, including tourists and commuters from Assam.
The Parishad said the damage to private and government vehicles and alleged assaults on individuals during the violence were "deeply condemnable and completely unacceptable."
It also stressed that Swami Vivekananda and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose represent ideals of national service, courage, sacrifice, unity and patriotism, and said that any act of disrespect towards their memory was an affront to those values.
The organisation further expressed concern over the reported targeting of civilians and Assam-registered vehicles, stating that no political demand, disagreement or agitation could justify violence against ordinary people who have no connection with the issues being protested.
The Bangali Kalyan Parishad appealed to all concerned to exercise restraint and responsibility and urged the authorities to conduct a fair investigation and take appropriate action against those found responsible.
At the same time, it appealed to the people of Assam and Meghalaya not to allow the actions of a few individuals to create hatred or division between the two states and their communities.
"Differences must be addressed through dialogue and democratic means, never through violence, intimidation or vandalism," the Parishad said.
The organisation maintained that the Northeast has always been enriched by its diversity and that peace between Assam and Meghalaya is in the interest of every community.
The Bangali Kalyan Parishad, Dima Hasao, reiterated its stand against violence, vandalism and attacks on innocent people and called for peace, dignity, mutual respect and unity.