Sushmita Dev writes to CM Meghalaya about threats given to Bengalis to leave the state

March 4: The recent turmoil in Meghalaya between tribals and non-tribals on the issues of CAA and ILP has become an issue of grave concern. Further, the dictates issued by various tribal groups to the Bengalis to leave Meghalaya has also given birth to a tensed atmosphere. It is in this backdrop former Silchar MP and All India Mahila Congress President, Sushmita Dev has written to Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma ‘to stand with every community to ensure safety of all in Meghalaya.’

In her letter, Sushmita Dev wrote, “I write to you to express my concern over the various media reports about violence between tribal and non-tribal groups in Meghalaya. I condemn any kind of violence. It is unfortunate to read about people losing lives to such violence. In. particular, one Sri Jaddu Choudhury from Silchar, Assam has been seriously injured but survived. There is a disturbing report about threats being made to Bengali speaking people to vacate their land etc which is extremely worrying.”

Request ⁦@SangmaConrad⁩ ji to stand with every community to ensure safety of all in Meghalaya. pic.twitter.com/pbG89a3r8W

— Sushmita Dev (@sushmitadevinc) March 4, 2020

It is in this backdrop that Ms. Dev appealed to the Chief Minister of Meghalaya “to ensure the safety of all communities & specifically look into the threats about ousting people. I also take the opportunity to point out that any unrest in Meghalaya has an impact on the communication from Barak Valley to other parts of Assam. I hope you will take necessary steps to maintain peace and tranquility.”

A clash took place between non-tribals and Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) activists at Ichamati village over differences on CAA and ILP after a KSU meeting at the village. Following which, a Khasi youth, identified as 35-year-old Lurshai Hynniewta, was attacked and killed on Friday. In retaliation, Uphas Uddin, 37, was killed by 3 unidentified people at his house in Pyrken village in Shella of East Khasi Hills district. This was followed by the killing of another non-tribal trader.

With the situation continuing to be tense, the district administration of East Khasi Hills district in Meghalaya has extended curfew at several places across Shillong from 6 am on on Tuesday. The areas where curfew continues to be imposed are Iewduh or Bara Bazaar, Motphran, Police Bazaar and Iew Mawlong.