JYF chief found murdered

SHILLONG, MAR 20: A leader of a leading NGO in Jaintia Hills region, who battled against the cement companies, was found murdered on Tuesday.

The body of Poipynhun Majaw, president of the Jaintia Youth Federation (JYF) was found at a place near the office of deputy commissioner in Khliehriat, the district headquarters of East Jaintia Hills.

Eastern Range Deputy Inspector General of Police AR Mawthoh said that a metal wrench was found next to the body.

Preliminary inquest suggests that the victim was hit on the head leading to his death, he said.

Mawthoh said that the motive for the murder is yet to be ascertained but assured that people responsible for this heinous crime will be brought to book.

Majaw (38), who was also an architect by profession, had also filed a public interest litigation (PIL) against eight cement plants in the district for alleged “gross violation” of Forest Act, 1980

Under his leadership, the JYF had also staged series of protest against the misappropriation of public funds by the former chief executive member (CEM) of Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) M Rymbai in 2014.

The protest, which was based on an RTI filed by two aggrieved beneficiaries from Khliehtyrshi which has exposed misappropriation of 1.18 crore, had also led to a tussle between the JYF and the former JHADC chief.

Recently, the organization has also opposed the proposed expansion project of a cement company.

Meanwhile, the Jaintia Youth Federation has demanded immediate inquiry into the case to nab those behind the killing of its leader.

“We demand that those involved in the killing of our president be caught and punished as per law,” JYF general secretary Confirm Rymbai said overphone.

Sources also informed that Majaw had gone to the area on a passenger vehicle.

Meanwhile, the Civil Society Women’s Organization has also strongly condemned the murder and demanded a top level inquiry into the case.

By Our Reporter