SHILLONG: The Khun Hynniewtrep National Awakening Movement (KHNAM) has urged the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) to investigate allegations of human rights violations and “excessive use” of power by the Border Security Force (BSF) in the state.
In a formal complaint to the MHRC chairperson, KHNAM working president Thomas Passah highlighted several incidents of alleged abuse by BSF personnel in Meghalaya.
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Passah stated, “We therefore request the Commission to intervene in such Human Rights Violation and the excessive use of power by the BSF.”
Passah accused the BSF of harming innocent civilians in Meghalaya more than protecting the international border with Bangladesh.
He cited recent incidents, including the shooting of 32-year-old Roning Nongkynrih, who was transporting cattle in a lorry when he was allegedly killed by BSF personnel at Mawshun village in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.
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The incident occurred near Pomshutia village in Meghalaya, about 17 km from the India-Bangladesh border, where the 4th Battalion is stationed at Pyrdiwah.
Additionally, Passah reported the alleged physical assault of Dr Seiboklang Buam, an officer of the Meghalaya animal husbandry and veterinary department, by BSF personnel at Lakroh Shiv Mandir, Hawai Tilla in West Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
Dr Buam was allegedly assaulted after he attempted to record the incident on his mobile phone when stopped by two BSF troopers while on his way to fish.
Passah also highlighted an incident where three youths were allegedly assaulted by BSF personnel under the influence of alcohol at Lyngkhat village.
The victims claimed that the BSF personnel threatened them not to report the incident and attempted to intimidate them by loading a weapon and pointing it at them.
“These are very few reported incidents that took place recently, not to mention the many more Human Rights Violations by the BSF personnel over the years,” Passah stated in his complaint.