Witch hunting in Assam 77 killed since 2010

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, March 23: Altogether 77 people have been killed in cases of witch hunting in the State, but the government said a strict law against the social evil is in the pipeline.

Between 2010 to February, 2015 – 42 males and 35 females were branded as witches and killed. Sixty persons were also injured in witch hunting attacks.

Most of the incidents took place in BTAD and Adivasi domited areas.

In response to a query by BJP MLA Prashanta Phukan, P&RD minister Rockybul Hussain informed the Assembly that the Gauhati High Court has asked the State government to ect a law to deal with witch hunting cases.

Following the High Court directive, the Chief Secretary chaired a meeting with officials of various departments concerned, including Law, Home, Political etc.

The Crimil Investigation Department of Assam Police was asked to frame a draft on the proposed law.

“The CID has prepared a draft which was taken up during another meeting on February 5 this year. After making certain amendments, the draft was approved by the Chief Minister. The draft has now been put up for views from various departments – including Social Welfare, Personnel, Legislative, Law etc. If required, further amendments will be made before the draft is put up in the Cabinet,” the minister informed.