4. Police firing on students in Meghalaya
The Meghalaya Government has informed the Commission that an amount of Rs. 5 lakh each had been paid as a special assistance to the family of those killed in police firing in Tura and Williamnagar districts of the State on 30 September 2005. The State Government also said that this was in addition to the ex-gratia payment of Rs.1 lakh.
The Commission was also informed that Rs.10 lakh had been sanctioned by the State Government for meeting the hospital bills of those injured. The Commission, reacting to a media report, which said 11 students were killed and a number of others injured in police firing in the two districts last year, had asked for comments from the State Chief Secretary. The news story published in the Pioneer had stated that the firing was unprovoked.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the Commission sought comments from the Chief Secretary, Meghalaya. Following this, the State Government constituted a Commission of Inquiry. As per the report of the State Government, the rallies were organized by the Garo Students' Union to oppose plans by the State Government to shift the headquarters of the Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education from Tura to Shillong. A day earlier, the District Administration of West Garo Hills decided not to allow the rally and withdrew the permission granted earlier with prior intimation and announcement on the issue. Williamnagar district administration also promulgated prohibitory orders. However, at both the places a large crowd gathered the next day and did not disperse despite the warnings of the District Magistrates. Soon the crowd became violent and pelted stones injuring the Magistrates and a number of police personnel. The police used teargas followed by lathi charge. This however failed to disperse the unlawful assembly and ultimately police resorted to firing, which resulted in the death of 11 people.
After going through the report of the State Government, the Commission held, that in view of the appropriate action taken by the State Government with respect to the ex-gratia compensation, no further intervention by the Commission is called for.
The Commission was also informed that Rs.10 lakh had been sanctioned by the State Government for meeting the hospital bills of those injured. The Commission, reacting to a media report, which said 11 students were killed and a number of others injured in police firing in the two districts last year, had asked for comments from the State Chief Secretary. The news story published in the Pioneer had stated that the firing was unprovoked.
Taking cognizance of the matter, the Commission sought comments from the Chief Secretary, Meghalaya. Following this, the State Government constituted a Commission of Inquiry. As per the report of the State Government, the rallies were organized by the Garo Students' Union to oppose plans by the State Government to shift the headquarters of the Meghalaya Board of Secondary Education from Tura to Shillong. A day earlier, the District Administration of West Garo Hills decided not to allow the rally and withdrew the permission granted earlier with prior intimation and announcement on the issue. Williamnagar district administration also promulgated prohibitory orders. However, at both the places a large crowd gathered the next day and did not disperse despite the warnings of the District Magistrates. Soon the crowd became violent and pelted stones injuring the Magistrates and a number of police personnel. The police used teargas followed by lathi charge. This however failed to disperse the unlawful assembly and ultimately police resorted to firing, which resulted in the death of 11 people.
After going through the report of the State Government, the Commission held, that in view of the appropriate action taken by the State Government with respect to the ex-gratia compensation, no further intervention by the Commission is called for.