Mob lynching
Representative image. Photo credit- India Today

The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has issued notice to the state government on a recent incident of mob lynching which led to the death of one youth and two injured.

The notice has been issued over the allegations that the deceased and the injured were ‘Menshohnoh’ (witch) and asked for a detailed report within 30 days.

The mob lynching incident happened at Lad Mawlang under Mawkynrew Block in East Khasi Hills on March 8.

According to myths, people believed that ‘Menshohnohs’ are killers hired by worshipers of U Thlen (a serpent) to murder people in order to feed the blood to the evil spirit for economic prosperity.

The MHRC, headed by its chairperson Justice T Vaiphei, issued the notice based on media reports about the incident.

The youth, who was killed, identified as Macmillan Kharshandi, had gone for a picnic along with eight other friends (all residents of Madanrting) to Syntung, which has a beautiful tourist spot.

Two other youths were seriously injured and the rest six managed to escape.

The youths went to the place to celebrate the birthday of their friend.

The Commission said the youths while returning to Shillong after the picnic, were intercepted by a mob who accused them of being ‘Menshohnoh’ and assaulted them with sticks and sharp weapons, for which three persons sustained injuries resulting in the death of one Macmillan Kharshandi, while six others managed to run to the forest and escape the wrath of the mob.

The Commission said that Article 21 of the Constitution mandates for the protection of life and personal liberty for every person within the territory of India which may be quoted as  “No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to a procedure established by law”

“In consideration to the grave and serious facts as reflected in the media reports” the MHRC said it has viewed the incident with concern and has considered it to be fit case for taking sou-moto cognizance of the same.

The Commission has issued notice directing the state government through the chief secretary of Meghalaya and the director general of police (DGP) regarding the action taken report (ATR).

The ATR has to be prepared as per the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court in July 2018 on lynching by vigilante group.

The Commission has asked the state government to submit a detailed report to it within 30 days.