Shillong, Aug 22: Amid the unrest in Shillong, the Shillong Bengalee Students’ Association (SBSA) has appealed for restraint, impartial justice and communal harmony, condemning violence, vandalism and attacks targeting people on the basis of their identity or community.
In a press statement issued on Friday, the association’s Chief Advisor Rupam Ghosh said the developments witnessed in Shillong over the past few days had deeply disturbed every peace-loving citizen and stressed that public responses must remain measured at a time when emotions are running high.
The association condemned violence against innocent people, destruction of property, intimidation and attacks based on community identity, saying such acts cannot be justified under any circumstances. It expressed anguish over vandalism of the statues of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Swami Vivekananda, describing them as symbols of courage, sacrifice, service, discipline and self-respect that transcend community, language and regional identities. The statement said vandalising such national icons does not advance any legitimate cause but instead diminishes society as a whole.
Demanding accountability, the SBSA urged authorities to identify those responsible for the vandalism and violence and take firm legal action against them without fear or favour. It also warned that xenophobia, hatred and discrimination against people perceived as “outsiders” have no place in a democratic society like Meghalaya. While acknowledging that issues relating to indigenous rights, employment, land, migration and the protection of tribal identity are legitimate subjects for democratic debate, the association maintained that such concerns can never become a justification for intimidation or violence against ordinary citizens.
The organisation summed up its demands under three broad principles—justice for the victims, accountability for the perpetrators and protection for every citizen.
Addressing the youth of Shillong, the association appealed to them not to be influenced by social media forwards, provocative videos, rumours or political rhetoric that could pit one community against another. It urged young people not to damage property out of xenophobia or target innocent individuals because of their appearance or identity, emphasising that demands for justice and security must be pursued through lawful and democratic means backed by evidence.
The SBSA also called upon the Meghalaya government and law-enforcement agencies to ensure that every reported incident is investigated impartially so that every citizen feels safe in Shillong. It further urged community leaders, civil society organisations and student bodies to exercise responsibility in their public statements, cautioning that careless words have the potential to inflame tensions while responsible leadership can prevent further violence.
Reaffirming its commitment to constitutional methods, the association said it would continue to stand for the dignity, safety and rights of people through democratic institutions and the rule of law. It concluded by expressing hope that Shillong, a city where different communities have lived together for generations, would not allow fear to dictate its future and called for lasting peace for the prosperity of Meghalaya.
Photo caption: Broken glass pieces and a fallen garland at the Netaji bust desecrated on Aug 19(MM file)
