Shillong, Nov 12: The state government has considered making proper legal provisions to deal with witch-hunting cases in the state.
Informing this on Tuesday, Adviser to Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh said, “It is a matter that law department has to apply its mind because we have various ancient practices, which are not in conformity with law.”
He also said matter of the need for an anti-witchcraft law would require consultation with Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and the state’s Law department.
Meanwhile, he informed that number of such (witch-hunting) cases have dwindled over the years.
Referring to the recent incident at Khliehshnong Sohra, where police swiftly acted to prevent a family and their neighbours from being lynched, he said, “Social Welfare department stepped in, rescued the families, and ensured their safety. The victims have now returned to their homes after feeling confident of their safety.”
Nine perpetrators have been arrested in connection with the incident.
