Stray incidents in Jaiaw are often triggered by violent events elsewhere: Kharbangar of Jaiaw Laitdom
Referring to the recent violent incidents in the city, the Executive Committee of the Dorbar Shnong Jaïaw Laitdom, in a statement issued recently, stated that the locality has become a place where vehicles and effigies are burnt and that is “affecting the image of the locality as a whole”.
The angst of the youth that was witnessed in the past week is a sign of the shortcomings in the education sector and lack of employment opportunities, “making them vulnerable to lawless activities”, observed the traditional heads of Jaïaw Laitdom in Shillong.
Referring to the recent violent incidents in the city, the Executive Committee of the Dorbar Shnong Jaïaw Laitdom, in a statement issued recently, stated that the locality has become a place where vehicles and effigies are burnt and that is “affecting the image of the locality as a whole”.
Speaking to The Northeast Today (TNT), the rang bah shnong (headman) of Dorbar Shnong Jaïaw Laitdom S B. Kharbangar said that stray incidents that occur in Jaïaw are often triggered by violent events elsewhere. In this regard, he referred to the recent incident wherein a police vehicle stolen from Mawlai Mawkynroh was burnt in Jaïaw by unidentified youths.
He was of the view that Jaïaw has been the “conflict point” for many years, and thus incidents of arson and tense rallies have become the norm.
During the height of agitation against the then Citizenship Amendment Bill, several protests were held in the area and the effigy of Union Home Minister Amit Shah was burnt at Madan Student. Again, during the protest for Inner Line Permit (ILP), Jaïaw witnessed a series of stray incidents — from burning of effigies and vehicles to the hurling of stones.
“To some extent, it does affect the image of the shnong. It is like a storm; it will have its effect. I do not feel good about it, as these incidents, as well as other instances of violence, are a result of the frustration of the youth,” he said.
With great discontent, he stated that the government must seriously address issues pertaining to education and employment. “It is disheartening to see that there are no employment opportunities here,” he said, further noting that “…Most of the youth, who are studying outside, on returning to the state, are discouraged to see the lack of opportunities here, and often end up unemployed.”
Kharbangar added that the dorbar shnong wants to maintain peace and harmony, and the state government should cooperate with the traditional institution in maintaining order.
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