MLA Kamalakhya Dey moves Meghalaya CM to safeguard Bengalis

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: North Karimganj MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha recently met Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and submitted a memorandum requesting safeguard to the Bengalis of Meghalaya.

Purkayastha said for the last few months the Bengalis of Meghalaya have been subjected to atrocities – both physically and mentally.

He highlighted a few incidents of outrage against the community through the memorandum stating, "The continual threats and intimidations thrown towards the Bengalis living in Ichamati and Bholaganj area since February 2020, unlawfully identifying them as illegal migrants, have made their day-to-day life miserable making it hard them to carry on with their regular livelihood."

He alleged that during the initial period of the lockdown in April/May, the Khasi Students' Union illegally ran check-posts on NH-37 at its entry point from Barak Valley harassing the plyers in the name of infiltration checking.

"On July 3, six Bengali boys were attacked by a mob when they went to play basketball in Lawsohtun, Shillong. This has ignited serious repercussion in the entire Bengali community of North-Eastern region, especially in Barak Valley," Purkayastha stated in the memorandum.

Further he claimed that during end October, the Khasi Students' Union went on displaying posters all across Shillong with the message – All Meghalaya Bengalis are Bangladeshis instigating inter-community conflicts in Meghalaya based on false and provocative narrative.

The MLA underlined that the present act by some group to sell the divisive narrative of 'native vs outsider' would only malign the long existing social texture of the hills.

He urged the CM to immediately ensure the rule of law and stop all kinds of harassment and discrimination on the Bengali citizens in Meghalaya.

The MLA also appealed to the CM to take positive and concrete measures for ensuring safety, security and livelihood of ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities living in the State.

In a separate memorandum to the CM, Purkayastha also requested him not to introduce ILP (Inner Line Permit) in Meghalaya.

He said this will obstruct the regular movement of citizens of nearby State and would pose unnecessary harassment for those plyers and visitors.

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