SHILLONG: Grief and profound outrage swept through Nongrah and its neighboring communities this evening as hundreds of residents gathered for a solemn candlelight vigil, mourning the brutal murder of 7-yr-old Kyrshanbor Kharmudai.
The seven-year-old victim, a resident of Nongrah Lummyrboh, went missing from his home on October 8, 2025. Tragically, his remains were discovered the following day, October 9. The community’s response was a massive show of solidarity, with the vigil organized by the Nongrah Dorbar Shnong (Village Council) at the local Football Ground.
Double Tragedy Triggers Widespread Fear
The death of Kyrshanbor Kharmudai has not only devastated his family but has also intensified a deep sense of fear across the locality, marking the second child murder case in the Nongrah area in just over a month.
The previous tragedy occurred on September 14, 2025, when the body of four-year-old Insaphira Lyngdoh Mawnai, from Nongrah Nonglum, was found murdered (a 13-year-old juvenile was later apprehended in connection with that case). These two brutal crimes in quick succession have triggered widespread panic and an intensified public outcry for immediate government action.
Community Demands Security and Home Counselling
During the vigil, speakers expressed profound sorrow over the escalating crimes targeting children and women. They issued a strong demand to the State Government to immediately introduce comprehensive safety and security measures for all residents.
Community leaders strongly emphasized the urgent need for greater communication and counselling within homes. Speakers stressed that parents must actively engage with their children to understand their difficulties and closely monitor their movements, highlighting a collective responsibility to protect the youth
Nongrah General Secretary Pynshaiborlang Pyngrope urged parents to be more attentive and involved in their children’s lives. “As parents, we have forgotten to truly care for our children,” he said. “Spend time with them and teach them well. If we fail to guide them, the world will and that may not be a good lesson.”
He expressed concern that many families today face difficulties because children no longer listen to their parents.
While appreciating the efforts of the police department in handling sensitive cases involving children, Pyngrope said the community remains dissatisfied with the reports submitted regarding the death of Insaphira Lyngdoh Mawnai, and urged the authorities to deliver justice without delay.
Speaking about Kyrshanbor’s murder, Pyngrope lamented that even after ten days, the police had yet to make any arrests. “The village continues to live in fear as the culprits remain at large,” he said. He added that Kyrshanbor, an orphan from a poor family, deserved justice, and appealed to the government to also extend support to children who have lost their parents.
Meanwhile, Donakor Hynniewta, member of the Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR), was moved to tears as she spoke at the Candle light.
“As a mother, I can feel the pain of losing a child in such a cruel way,” she said, adding that the image of the young boy continues to haunt her. “When I first saw the news, I was deeply shaken and heartbroken.”
Hynniewta called on the public to speak up whenever a child is in danger. “Do not lose hope,” she urged. “Even if you cannot reveal your name, you can still inform the Commission. The police are doing their duty, and we will continue working together to ensure justice.
As of the time of reporting, the police department has not announced any arrests in connection with Kyrshanbor Kharmudai’s murder, and the investigation remains ongoing.
