The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) has decided to install statues of the victims of the recent mob lynching in Karbi Anglong at Kangthilangso in the district.
It may be mentioned that two artistes from Guwahati – Nilotpal Das and Abhijeet Nath – were lynched at Panjuri village under Dokmoka PS in Karbi Anglong on June 8, 2018 while they were returning from Kangthilangso, a picnic spot near the spot of the incident.
Addressing a press conference at the KAAC Secretariat Conference Hall here on Wednesday, KAAC Chief Executive Member (CEM) Tuliram Ronghang said, “We have been trying to work together with all communities in Karbi Anglong. The only elected Dimasa and Boro Member of Autonomous Council (MACs) are made Executive Members (EMs). At a time when we are working together this incident has happened. But we will install their (Nilotpal Das and Abhijeet Nath) statues at Kangthilangso.”
It is to be noted that there have been demands of installation of statues of Nilotpal Das, a promising sound engineer and Abhijeet Nath, who was also an artiste and businessman, in the area where they were lynched.
The KAAC also announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the victims’ families.
“The KAAC will provide compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of deceased – Nilotpal Das and Abhijeet Nath,” said Ronghang.
While condemning the killing, Ronghang said, “Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council on behalf of the people of Karbi Anglong strongly condemn the lynching of the two youths at Panjuri Kachari Gaon and the law will take its own course.”
He added, “The severest punishment under the law, even hanging, should be given to the culprits. Until now, 52 suspected persons have been picked up and they will not be spared if found to be involved in the incident. I hope, such incident would not repeat again.”
Talking about harassment of Karbi students studying outside Karbi Anglong, following the incident, the KAAC CEM said, “Those who were arrested for intimidation and harassment of Karbi students in Nagaon were found to be Youth Congress workers. And in the incident of Panjuri Kachari Gaon, one Alfa Timung, who was instrumental in precipitating the violence, presently is absconding.”
On the incident being communalized, Ronghang said, “In the same Dokmoka Police Station area, previously two Karbis were lynched by a mob in recent years. It does not mean that people are being killed just because of being Assamese. Such incidents are happening all over India. Just three days back at Beltola in Guwahati, a child accused of stealing a mobile phone was tied up and beaten up and only quick intervention of a man saved him.”
He appealed for maintaining peace and requested the media to carry a positive message.
EMs Kache Rongpipi, Prodip Rongpi, Prodip Diphusa, Tolendra Brahma, Amar Sing Tisso, Madhurjya Dhekial Phukan and Ratan Teron, MACs Horen Sing Bey, Reena Terangpi and Richard Tokbi, officials of KAAC Secretary Si-im Tara, Principal Secretary Mahadananda Hazarika and others were also present at the press conference.