Shifting Punjabis not feasible: NCM official

Bijay Sankar Bora

Tribune News Service

Shillong, June 6

The National Commission for Minorities today deputed one of its members to visit Punjabi Lane here, a prime locality in curfew-bound Shillong’s Bara Bazar business hub that saw violence between local Khasi people and Sikh community members over an eve-teasing incident nearly a week ago.

Following the visit, the NCM member, Manjit Singh Rai, suggested against relocating the “vulnerable” Punjabi Lane residents, as was being demanded by local tribal groups. “The Sikh population has been living in the area for more than 100 years and relocating them is not feasible,” he said.

Rai heard the grievances of the residents in the wake of recent developments, including formation of a high-powered committee by the Meghalaya Government to look into the long-standing demand of some local groups for relocating the Punjabi Lane residents.

Expected to submit his report to the commission tomorrow, Rai said a minor altercation had taken place between the two community members, who even reached a compromise within no time. But “mischievous elements”, he claimed, circulated rumours in the social media and incited violence due to “vested interests”. 

The NCM member called on Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma and discussed with him the prevailing situation as well as the relocation issue. “The Chief Minister has assured me of protection to all,” he said.

Rai later met Chief Secretary Yeshi Tsering, Principal Secretary (Home) MS Rao and Director General of Police SB Singh and enquired about the security arrangements.

The Meghalaya Congress unit has, meanwhile, asked the state government to initiate a judicial inquiry into the violence as well as to peruse the demand for relocation. “A judicial inquiry will provide a clear picture about what is happening and what should be done. There will be terms of reference when the inquiry is instituted. The government, thus, will have the privilege to have an insight into all the information and act upon that,” said Dr Mukul Sangma of the Congress, also the Leader of Opposition in the Assembly. 

Curfew relaxed for seven hours

The curfew in Shillong and other “vulnerable areas” was relaxed  for seven hours on Wednesday as the situation improved, an official said, nearly a week after violent clashes rocked the area. The tourist footfall has also increased in Shillong, called “Scotland of the East”. The curfew in 14 “vulnerable areas” was lifted for seven hours from 5 am to 12 noon in view of the improved situation, East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner PS Dkhar said. PTI

Rashtriya Sikh Sangat demands action

New Delhi: RSS-affiliate Rashtriya Sikh Sangat on Wednesday demanded action against those behind the violence against the Sikh community in Shillong. Following a meeting of its top functionaries, the sangat attributed it to "mischief" on the part of Opposition parties and other vested interests in the state. The meeting was presided over by unit president Gurcharan Singh Gill. A delegation led by Gill had also visited the violence-affected Punjab Lane in Shillong. TNS