Candle light vigil in protest against murder of JYF leader

From a Reporter

SHILLONG, March 22: The Civil Society Woman Organization (CSWO) along with other RTI activists on Thursday organized a candlelight vigil at Police Bazar, Shillong in the wake of the brutal murder of Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF) president Poipynhun Majaw on March 19 by unknown miscreants.

However, the vigil evoked very less response from the public as only a few senior citizens, CSWO members, RTI activists, an HYC leader, members of the press and a few other passerby participated in the vigil, which is a shadow when compared with previous vigil being held in the city.

Speaking to the reporters, HYC general secretary Robert June Kharjahrin said, “We are deeply saddened by what has happened to the JYF leader and there is a need to speed up the investigation process into this incident by the State governmnet.”

He said, “If the government cannot speed up the investigation into the case, then this matter should be handed over to the CBI or other tiol Investigative agency.”

The Council leader further condemned the brutal killing of the NGO leaders and urged the authorities concern to find and take action against those involved in this crime.

“With the demise of this leader it has become a huge loss for JYF including the indigenous community of the State,” he said.

When asked, Kharjahrin said, “It’s very disheartening to witness that there is very less turnout form the public to attend the vigil especially when it is concerning a person who has lost his life fighting for the rights and future benefits of the people of the State.”

Meanwhile, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing while speaking to the reporters said, “The murder of the NGO leader has affected the entire State of Meghalaya and we condemn this brutal murder.” She said the government should take stringent steps to eradicate and stop such killing from happening in the near future.

The CSWO leader has also expressed disappointment over the low turnout of the people during the candlelight vigil.