'Moi Daini Nohoi' to be staged all over State

By our Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, June 17: 'Moi Daini Nohoi' to be staged all over the State since June 20 this year. The drama by Horizon, a sociocultural organization working in the field of bringing awareness against witch-hunting in the State, is going to start the drama from Agia in Goalpara district along with the Rabha Divas there. The drama will be staged in all rural areas in the State.  

Of late several organizations in the State are in the job of bringing awareness on witch-hunting. In the city yesterday, academicians like retired director of Guwahati high Court Jeuti Baruah, Indranee Dutta of Institute for Social Science and Development, Bandita Acharya of Purba Bharoti Trust, social activist Dibyajyoti Saikia and others have felt the necessity of clear-cut and proper definitions of various words that have been included in the 'Prevention and Protection from Witch Hunting Bill 2015'. Taking part in a semir on the Bill, they said: "Only proper definitions of words like 'magic powder, witch doctor' etc., can remove misunderstanding involving such words or phrases."

They further said that the Bill should be in Assamese and Bodo, instead of English, to be more comprehensible for the general people.

"The investigation of any witch-hunting case should be completed within six months from the date of occurrence so as to give relief to the victims and their families. Investigations should be led by an SP-level police officer," they said, and added: "The social activists who go to rescue victims should also get legal and police protection." Taking part in the semir that was organized by the Assam Mahila Samata Samiti (AMSS) at Nedfi House in June 16, State Home and Political Secretary LS Changson said: "To arrest witch hunting, the government has drafted the 'Prevention and Protection from Witch Hunting Bill 2015'. We seek suggestions from civil society groups, academicians and individuals."