SHILLONG: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) has strongly rebuffed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) call for the immediate transfer of the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner (DC), arguing that the current breakdown of peace and security is a deep-rooted societal and governmental failure, not the sole responsibility of the District Head.
The controversy stems from a recent and shocking surge in infant murders within the district, which prompted the BJP to demand the DC’s dismissal for an alleged failure to maintain public order.
MPCC Blames Broader Government and Societal Failure
MPCC leader Manuel Badwar categorically stated that the BJP’s demand was “inappropriate,” asserting that the deteriorating law and order situation is not merely a reflection of the Deputy Commissioner’s performance but a wider failure across multiple fronts, particularly on the part of the State Government.
“This is a failure of society, of the government, and not just the District Administration,” Badwar told reporters. “I don’t understand what prompts the BJP to demand the DC’s removal over these incidents, as the District Authorities also have their limitations on how far they can work, since the execution of policy rests with the government.”
He concluded that the root cause lies in the “decline in education standards,” stressing that what is truly required is sound policy in education and at the community and family levels. “To pin the blame on the Deputy Commissioner is inappropriate,” he added.
RELATED ARTICLES:
Nongrah Child Murder Cases: SP speaks on progress of SIT and ‘Menshohnoh’ theories
BJP Blasts East Khasi Hills Administration Over ‘Shocking’ Surge in Crime Against Children
BJP Demands Action Over Gruesome Murders
The demand for the DC’s removal was initially raised by BJP General Secretary Wankitbok Pohshna, who demanded an immediate transfer following the “persistent inability” of the current administration to ensure safety amid the rise in gruesome infant murder cases this month.
Pohshna expressed shock that even after the tragic deaths of infants a 4-yr-old girl and subsequently 7-yr-old orphan boy, the district authorities failed to take substantial, proactive safety measures.
He severely criticized the District head for not convening meetings with village functionaries (nongkitkam shnong) or imposing night patrolling in sensitive areas to curb the rising crime, especially during late hours. Pohshna also highlighted that many fringe areas of the city have become “dens for anti-social activities,” citing the road from BK Bajoria School to PGT College in Laitumkhrah as an example of an alcohol abuse hotspot.
Citing the effective example of District Heads in Ri-Bhoi, who successfully curbed crime by conducting late-night vehicle checks and swiftly arresting culprits, Pohshna asserted that the government must appoint officers who are capable of ensuring peace and security. The BJP further appealed to the state government to strengthen police vigilance across the state to contain criminal activities and prevent incidents that “tarnish the state’s reputation.”
