NHRC takes suo moto cognizance of forced consumption of human excreta

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo-moto cognizance of media reports about a village council forcing a man to consume human excreta in Meghalaya's East Khasi Hills District.

Describing the incident as a clear violation of human rights, the NHRC has issued notices to the concerned district administration authorities, including the District Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police, and asked them to submit a report within a month.

According to the NHRC, Noping Khongsit, a resident of Mawryngkang village near Pynursla town, about 50 km from Shillong, was penalised by members of the local village council on the allegation that he and his family were practising witchcraft.

Village elders had recently alleged that four girls were suffering from unusual diseases due to some witch elements imposed by Khongsit. They said that the girls dreamt of snakes and would regularly shout out the name of Khongsit while sleeping at night.

Based on the allegations of the four girls, the village council directed Khongsit to eat human excreta as punishment for his witchcraft practice on July 20.

Further developments related to action taken is awaited.