Tura: Amidst rising tensions over the brutal murder of 3 residents of Assam near the village of Tamsura in East Garo Hills (EGH), the All Assam Minority Students’ Union (AMMSU) Goalpara met with various NGOs of the North Garo Hills (NGH) and the Assam chapter of the GSU on Sunday afternoon to work on diffusing the tension that has prevailed since the killing. The meeting was held at the Dudhnoi IB in Assam’s Goalpara district.
Last week, three persons from Assam, who had gone to EGH on a work-related trip were found to be murdered and the car in which they were travelling was burnt. The three had apparently been burnt alive following which they were buried in a makeshift grave. The police later recovered the bodies of the victims and a murder case was lodged. No suspects have been identified as of now as per the latest report from Meghalaya police.
Tension had prevailed in Assam over the killing on both sides of the border with social media helping in adding fuel to the fire.
On Saturday, residents of Assam blocked the road coming towards Meghalaya following which there was panic among the local residents. Various protest meetings were organized to seek a fast investigation and justice for the victims.
In an effort to diffuse the prevailing tensions, a meeting was called by the GSU–Assam Zone with the AMMSU and various other NGOs from North Garo Hills.
The meeting was attended by members of the AAYF, AIJIF, GSMC, AYWO, ADE, PJAC, AHAM, FAF, AYWS, Mothers’ Union along with AMMSU leaders. Following the meeting, the two sides unanimously agreed to await the outcome of the ongoing investigation into the triple murders.
“We would like to urge everyone to refrain from circulating rumors, videos, statements, and comments related to the incident. Such actions can only exacerbate tensions and hinder the search for truth and justice. First and foremost, it is deeply regrettable that lives were lost. The killing of any human being is a grave offense that must be unequivocally condemned,” the combined groups stated in a release.
The release, while reminding that it was important to note that the victims were individuals with pending criminal cases against them in Assam, the loss of their lives was still a tragedy that warrants condemnation.
“The ethnicity or community affiliation of the perpetrators should not overshadow the pursuit of justice. Let us allow the law enforcement agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. We must resist the urge to turn this tragedy into a communal issue. Blocking roads or inciting communal tensions will only hinder the investigative process and delay justice. Let us remain united in our call for a fair and impartial investigation,” the release added, while requesting people from both states to exercise restraint and come together as a community to support the pursuit of truth and justice for all involved,” said the statement.
Meanwhile speaking about the meeting, AMMSU–Goalpara district president, Aminul Hoque Choudhury said that the situation was peaceful and trade and commerce had commenced once again normally.
“The meeting was called by the GSU–Assam and other NGOs and we decided to work together to ensure peace. An investigation is currently in place and we are working on whether we should seek a more thorough and higher investigation into the case,” stated Choudhary.
He added that letters had been sent to the CMs of both Assam and Meghalaya as well to the central home minister, Amit Shah on the gruesome killings seeking justice for the victims as well as a speedy inquiry.
“We have also sought compensation for the victims who lost their lives and action against those who are responsible for their deaths. Further we want to urge the Meghalaya government to set up a distress call number for tourists and labourers from outside the state which can respond to such emergency situations. The safety and security of everyone are of utmost importance,” added the AMMSU leader.
Choudhury cautioned people from both sides to use social media responsibly and not spread rumours that could worsen the situation.
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“No one wants this flare up to become communal and as such social media be used responsibly towards that cause. We also urge Meghalaya police to speed up the investigation process and bring those responsible for such a ghastly act, booked and arrested,” he added.
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