SHILLONG: The State Government is considering introducing a law to curb crimes arising from “witch-hunting/sorcery” allegations in Meghalaya. This was informed by the Advisor of the Social Welfare Department, Government of Meghalaya, Paul Lyngdoh, after a meeting organized by the Social Welfare Department.
Lyngdoh referred to the recent incident in Khliehshnong Sohra, where the Police acted quickly to protect a family and their neighbours from an attacking mob. In connection with this incident, 9 people were arrested and charged under various sections of the Law.
Speaking to reporters, Lyngdoh said this issue requires careful consideration by the Law Department because, on one hand, society has various age-old customs, but at the same time, these are not compatible with the rule of law.
”This issue suggests the need for an Anti-witchcraft law which will require consultation between the Autonomous District Councils (ADC) of the State and the Law Department,” said Lyngdoh.
”Therefore, it is a matter closely related to what we have seen so far, even though the occurrence of such incidents has decreased in recent years. We firmly believe that if such a law is necessary, it should not only involve the State Government. We also have the ADCs, which have a Law Department within their Councils. We need a law through consultation with the ADCs so that we can introduce a State Law or a law through the ADCs,” he added.
