IED blast | Shillong’s Punjabi lane settlers seek Home Minister Amit Shah’s help

Residents of the disputed Punjabi Lane in Shillong have sought the intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah into the IED explosion in their locality on March 9, resulting in one injury.

Residents of the disputed Punjabi Lane in Shillong have sought the intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah into the IED explosion in their locality on March 9, resulting in one injury.

In a letter to Mr. Shah, Harijan Panchayat Committee (HPC) secretary Gurjit Singh said the blast has instilled a sense of fear among the residents. The Sikh community residing in the contested area believes the blast was orchestrated to disrupt negotiations aimed at relocating them to municipal land.

Initiated months after the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), backed by the BJP, came to power in 2018, the relocation process is currently under the supervision of the high court. Mr. Singh emphasised to Mr. Shah that the blast undermines the peace efforts.

He urged the Home Minister to take immediate action against those issuing threats, asserting that restoring peace requires holding troublemakers accountable.

He called upon the Centre to uphold the rule of law and safeguard the rights of all citizens irrespective of ethnicity or religion.

"The Sikhs of Punjabi colony have been subjected to threats from various tribal groups. These groups have been openly inimical to the presence of non-tribals in Meghalaya, creating a sustained atmosphere of intimidation and fear," Mr. Singh said.