Shillong: Grief and calls for justice marked a candlelight vigil held at Khyndailad on Tuesday evening in memory of two Hajong youths whose deaths have shocked the community.
Organised by the Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association along with several other organisations, the vigil drew a large gathering of youths and community members. Many participants were seen in tears as they paid tribute to the deceased and expressed solidarity with their bereaved families.
The programme also served as a platform to demand a fair, impartial and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Representatives from six minority communities – Hajong, Koch, Rabha, Karbi, Boro and Mann have joined the vigil, reflecting a united call for justice.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Benton Hajong, Vice President of the Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association; S.K. Choudhary, President of the Meghalaya Linguistic Minority Development Forum and Phupendro Hajong. The speakers urged the authorities to conduct a detailed inquiry to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
The meeting was chaired by Joti Rani Hajong, President of the Shillong Hajong Students’ Association.
