SHILLONG, NOV 11: The state government is considering enacting a law to tackle witchcraft-related crimes. Speaking to media persons on Tuesday, Adviser to the Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh stated that this is a matter that law department has to apply its mind because on one hand we have these various practices which are very ancient and at the same time these are not in conformity with the rule of law whether you talked of the spirit or the letter of the rule of the law.
According to him, the matter related to the need for an ant-witchcraft law would require consultation with the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and the state’s law department.
“Therefore, it is a very pertinent point and what we have noticed so far though is that the number of such cases have dwindled over the years and we are confident that if the need arises for such a law to be in place, it is not only the state government, we also have the autonomous district councils (ADCs) which also have law departments in those councils – we will need a law which through consultation with the ADCs we can come up with a state law or the ADCs themselves are in a position to legislate and then through the state government get the Governor’s assent to such legislations,” Lyngdoh said.
He highlighted the recent incident at Khliehshnong Sohra, where the police swiftly acted to prevent a family and their neighbors from being lynched. Nine perpetrators have been arrested and booked under different sections of the law.
“The social welfare department stepped in, rescued the families, and ensured their safety. The victims have now returned to their homes after feeling confident of their safety,” Lyngdoh said.
“That apart, immediately after the incident the social welfare department stepped in, rescued those families, we took care of them and ensured that they were under the safe custody of the department,” Lyngdoh said while announcing that the victims have now returned to their homes after feeling confident of their safety.
