Meghalaya okays independent probe into murder attempt on women activists

The Meghalaya Cabinet on Monday decided to conduct an independent inquiry into the murder attempt on frontline women's rights activist, Agnes Kharshiing, and her aide, Amita Sangma.

The decision is significant ahead of the one-day special assembly session where the opposition Congress is set to corner the Conrad Sangma-led government over the murder attempt on the two activists over illegal mining and transportation of coal.

Kharshiing, who is also the president of Civil Society Women's Organisation, and Amita were brutally assaulted by a group of people after the activist lodged a complaint on illegal mining and transportation of coal in the state on November 8 at Tuber Sohshrieh area in East Jaintia Hills district

The National Green Tribunal had ordered an interim ban on "rat-hole" coal mining in Meghalaya from April 17, 2014.

"We are concerned over the prevailing situation. Therefore, we have decided to institute an independent inquiry," Home Minister James Sangma said.

He said the terms of reference of the inquiry including the person who will head the inquiry and duration to complete the probe would be worked out by the law department.

--IANS

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