Karbi Anglong DC orders probe into lynching incident

A Correspondent

Diphu, June 11: A magisterial inquiry has been ordered to find out if there were any lapses on the part of the police in the lynching of two youths in Karbi Anglong district, following reports that a policeman was seen recording video clips of the incident. Karbi Anglong Deputy Commissioner has entrusted Additional Deputy Commissioner Junumoni Sonowal to carry out the enquiry, the order said. Unconfirmed reports have been received that a person in khaki, suspected to be a police official, was seen taking video clips of the incident, the order stated. The ADC has also been asked to ascertain the identity of the person who allegedly recorded video clips of the incident and submit a report within a week. The order said it had to be found out why the police took so much time to reach the spot and in spite of rumours of child-lifting, why did they not take extra precautions for people’s safety as well as in anticipation of any untoward incident.

Deputy Commissioner Mridul Kumar Mahanta on Sunday sought cooperation of all communities in removing mistrust among all sections of the people of the State in the aftermath of the incident. In a peace meeting held on Sunday, DC Mahanta said, “For the crime committed by two or three people, a community cannot be blamed.” Mahanta assured that the district administration would work to reach out to student organizations of the State in controlling the situation. Students of the district studying at various colleges and universities in the State will be reached by the DCs concerned. “People should not take law into their own hands and suspicious person seen loitering in villages should immediately be reported to the village headman, Village Defence Party (VDP) or the police,” he said.

In the meeting, Deputy Superintendent of Police Muzzafir Hussain said the police had registered a case no.33/18 at Dokmoka Police station against the arrested persons. He also warned the administrators of WhatsApp groups to be aware of the information uploaded by members as the administrator would be responsible for it. In his address, former president of Axam Xahitya Xabha, Padmashree Rongbong Terang appealed to the people of the State to douse off the flames of communal hatred that had ignited following the June 8 incident. Terang said, “We all are saddened by the death of two youths, which is unfortunate. But there should not be mistrust among the different communities. What has happenned has happened, we now need to think of dosing off the flame. All tribes and communities living in Assam together form a greater Assamese community. The greater Assamese community with all tribes and communities has a positive mind.”

Condemning the incident, social worker JI Kathar said there was prevalence of child lifters in the Northeast as per information on social media. Strong awareness drive by the district administration should be conducted to rule out the misconception of child traffickers. Former EM of KAAC, Ashok Teron said, “When I was EM it was my idea of making Kangthilangso a tourist spot and with the support of local people comprising of Karbis, Bodos, Adivasis, Nepalis and others, the place has been beautified. The villagers are innocent and simple. I cannot believe that such an incident happened.” Members of various organizations and senior citizens attended the meeting.