Construction workers at school in Meghalaya attacked by miscreants, one dies

MAWKYRWAT:

A construction worker at St. Xavier’s Girls hostel in Umoid, South West Khasi Hills district succumbed to his injuries, while others are still undergoing treatment after being allegedly attacked by unknown miscreants on February 24.

The injured workers were rushed to Civil Hospital, Shillong.

The victim is identified as Raju Mondal (22) from South Salmara Mankachar, Assam.

Sources informed that the school authorities had already sent a report to the Chief Minister, Law Minister, and Home Minister (who also holds the Education portfolio).

The school authorities also met leaders of some NGOs, including the Khasi Students Union (KSU) and Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC), to explain the need for hiring these workers.

Apologising for the incident that transpired on Wednesday, the school authorities said that they are trying to resolve the problem.

"However, a threat to the life or wellbeing of an innocent worker is not a price that the authorities are willing to accept," sources said.

The members of the Managing Committee are working with the Jesuit authorities to find a "mutually" acceptable solution.

Until a satisfactory solution is found, the Education Council of the Jesuit Society for North East India has resolved that all works in Umoid will indefinitely be kept on hold, including the resumption of classes.

Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has warned of stern action against the perpetrators of the crime.

"These incidents are being done by individuals who will be termed as criminals; in fact, death has taken place which makes them murderers; of course, there are laws to deal with such incidents, and we will be dealing with this in an appropriate manner. Those people responsible for this act will not be let go freely and we ensure that these kinds of incidents don’t happen," Sangma told reporters in Shillong on Thursday.

Any queries in this regard can be contacted at coelhosj@gmail.com.

(Edited by Ladiangti Rani)

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