SHILLONG, MAR 12: Shaken by the May 9th bomb explosion at Punjabi Colony and revealing the threats being endured by its inmates, the Harijan Panchayati Committee (HPC) on Tuesday called for the intervention of the union home minister Amit Shah for resolving the case of the Punjabi colony in a tripartite manner.
The committee has also urged the Centre to investigate the recent IED bomb blast and the threats that it stated, “foster an environment of fear among the non-tribal populations.”
“We seek your immediate intervention in taking up the case of the Punjabi colony in a tripartite manner with the government of Meghalaya,” HPC secretary Gurjit Singh said in a letter dashed off to Shah.
He said that the case concerning the rights and residence of our community members is currently subjudice, with ongoing efforts between the Government of Meghalaya, Harijan Panchayat Committee and other stakeholders to reach an amicable resolution.
“Despite numerous meetings and dialogues, tangible progress has been elusive. Even the promise of intervention by the Government of India, made in the wake of previous tensions, remains unfulfilled. We are confident that if the Union government takes the initiative to resolve the matter, it should be easily possible,” Singh said.
Stating that the recent blast was a deliberate attempt to derail the fragile peace process, the HPC secretary said, “This incident is not isolated but is indicative of the larger issue of communal harmony and the safety of minority communities within the state of Meghalaya. The arrests in the case are indicative of acts of elements instilling fear and attempting to overawe the beleaguered residents of Punjabi colony.”
“We bring to your notice with deep concern that nobody from the government of Meghalaya – from the chief minister downwards has condemned the incident so far. The political leadership, which generally issues statements against Punjabi colony residents at the drop of a hat, have not uttered a word or visited the area to express concern about the blast or support to the residents,” he said.
Further, Singh informed that the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and the National Commission of Minorities, the National Commission for Human Rights and other bodies have paid visits to the Punjabi lane as the Sikhs continue to fight for their legitimate rights.
“We, therefore, urge the Union Government of India, under your leadership, to take immediate and decisive action. It is imperative to not only investigate this recent act of violence thoroughly but also to hold accountable those who have been issuing threats and fostering an environment of fear among the non-tribal populations. We believe that peace and order can be restored with swift action against the mischief-makers, rather than allowing such critical issues to be brushed under the carpet,” he said.
He also said that “the residents of Punjabi colony seek nothing but to live in peace and harmony, contributing to the society and economy of Meghalaya as we have done for generations. The current state of fear and insecurity hampers not only our well-being but also the broader societal cohesion and development of the state.”
According to him, the Union government is duty bound to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights and safety of all its citizens, regardless of their ethnic or communal backgrounds.
“Your immediate attention and intervention in this matter will not only ensure the safety of the residents of Punjabi colony but also send a strong message against communal violence and intolerance,” the letter stated.
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