Lighting candles to protest against killing

Shillong, October 26: Thousands of people poured to Khyndailad – Police Bazaar- to be part of the “candle-lighting-ceremony” and showed their anguish over the death of thirty-four years old Vikash Nandwal who succumbed to his burn injuries on Saturday. He was attacked by arsonists  who poured petrol and set him on fire on October 9.

Meghalalaya home minister Roshan Warjri, ministers Ampareen Lyngdoh, AL Hek and East Khasi hills deputy commissioner Sanjay Goyal were also seen at the candle light ceremony. The deceased family members, friends, well wishers and concerned citizens came to show their solidarity with the deceased family during the hours of their grieve and demanded justice.

Cutting across communities, ages and genders Shillongites came out in large number and were seen lighting thousands of candles even as they demand that justice be delivered to the departed soul.

Nandwal died at around 8 am in a Delhi hospital on Saturday where he was taken after he was attacked by miscreants inside his shop Meghalaya Machineries in Motphran on October 9. The miscreants poured petrol and set him on fire.

Speaking to this reporter, the deceased uncle P Varma while expressing his grieve over the loss of his nephew said, “We have lost him, but I don’t want anybody to face the same experience.” Nandwal left behind his parents, two sisters and wife.

Meghalaya home minister Roshan Warjri said, “It is very painful not only to the family but also others peace loving citizens,” Condemning such inhumane and barbaric act of killing innocent person, she said on behalf of the government she  reiterates her condemnation against such act of violence perpetrated in all parts of the city and the state.

Warjri also appealed to the people for cooperation and asserted that the perpetrators of such heinous act of violence will be brought to book under the provision of the law. She said, “We will deal with a very firm hand and as per the law.”

Informing that all logistic support  have been extended to the victim and the family, Warjri said , “Right from the time the incident took place, the government has been extending all possible helps for his treatment and we had contacted other super specialist in burn injuries in New Delhi and he was flown from Guwahati to Delhi.”

Warjri recalled that last week when she had call his father she was told that he was improving but unfortunately last night she got a call from the victim’s father who informed her that he was on ventilator subsequently this morning he succumbed to the burn injuries.- By Our Reporter