MPHRC on witchcraft

SHILLONG, APRIL 24: The Meghalaya Peoples Human Rights Council (MPHRC) has called for framing a law to put an end to the practice of witchcraft which is still prevalent in many parts of the state.

Strongly condemning the incident of violence over the alleged practice of witchcraft at Mawryngkang village in the East Khasi Hills district on Tuesdya, the MPHRC said the government must recognize that practice of witchcraft is an issue of grave public concern. “The state of Meghalaya has witnessed many such cases which had often led to the loss of lives and property. (This) amounts to gross violation of the rights of an individual” said the MPHRC in a release issued here.

The rights body said practice of witchcraft is deeply rooted in the peoples’ customary beliefs, but more often than not, innocent persons are accused of practicing witchcraft by people driven by greed and jealousy and unfairly targeted and even lynched.  “It is unfortunate that in India we do not have specific legislation to control and do away with this menace.  Merely arresting and booking people under different sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) do not help in addressing the issue at its root cause” said the release.

The state government, the MPHRC said, should come up with legislations to curb the menace once and for all and prevent incidents like the one which took place in Mawryngkang from occurring in the future. (By Our Reporter)