Shillong, Nov 29: The BJP on Monday demanded immediate stepping down of the home minister Lahkmen Rymbui. Speaking to journalists, BJP national secretary Rituraj Sinha said that the home minister has to take full responsibility for the recent killing of five Khasi villagers in the firing by Assam police at Mukroh village in West Jaintia Hills District.

“It is time for the home minister to take responsibility. He should resign because he has been unable to discharge his duties,” Sinha said while reminding that Rymbui is a UDP leader from Jaintia Hills region.

He observed that police in Meghalaya are centered around Shillong and not adequate support is given to the people in the interior areas.

Sinha said he had recently visited Mukroh and met the families of the departed villagers. He alleged that most of the other political parties have not even taken the pain of traveling all the way and meeting the ones who have suffered.

Demanding stern action against Assam police, he said, “If Assam police has acted out of line… strongest action should be taken.” He informed that a delegation led by BJP state president Ernest Mawrie will be meeting the Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on November 30, to request his intervention into the incident.

Urging the Meghalaya government to provide long term government support to the bereaved families, Sinha said, “They should be given government job that is our appeal and we will be writing to the government about this.”

On the violent incidents in the state capital, the BJP leader said, “We humbly request the people that violence is not going to be a solution to any problem. Attacking outsiders, stopping roads is not going to solve the issue.” He assured that the BJP will give full support to the government of Meghalaya and government of Assam to solve the people’s problems.

“The BJP stands with the people of Meghalaya and stand with the people of Jaintia Hills, stand with the people of Mukroh specially and we will do our best to support them,” he said.

When asked, Sinha said that maintaining law and order is the duty of the home minister.

“Law and order is part of governance. It is a very essential part of governance. The home minister is responsible for that department and I think he should take accountability,” he reiterated.

He also maintained that President’s Rule is never an option or a preferred option.