Shillong,Nov 11: Advisor to the social welfare department, Paul Lyngdoh, wanted a law against witchcraft-related crimes.
Lyngdoh told reporters on Tuesday that the law department has to apply its mind because, on one hand, there are various practices which are very ancient and, at the same time, these are not in conformity with the rule of law.
He said the anti-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,” he added.
The recent incident was at Khliehshnong Sohra, where the police prevented a family and their neighbours 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. That apart, immediately after the incident, the social welfare department took care of them and ensured that they were under the safe custody of the department,” Lyngdoh said.
He said the victims have now returned to their homes after feeling confident of their safety.
