Government still sympathetic to Garo Hills suffering, says Lapang

Shillong, Mar 21 (UNI) Meghalaya Chief Minister D D Lapang today said his government will not undermine the Garo Hills peoples' sufferings following the September 30 police firing in Williamnagar and Tura that killed nine people, mostly students.

Despite whatsoever the government had done to mitigate the sufferings of the victims, the Chief Minister said it would continue to render all possible help to the members of the bereaved families and bear all cost of treatment.

Replying to a discussion on a cut motion tabled by Independent legislator Manas Chaudhuri, the Chief Minister said the government had extended adequate compensation to the victims and was looking into the ways and means to provide employment to the next of kin of those killed in the twin incidents of police firing. Ex-gratia payment was promptly extended to the members of the bereaved families and compensation paid to those who sustained injuries in the firing incidents, the Chief Minister maintained.

Earlier, initiating the discussion, Mr Chaudhuri prevailed upon the government to expedite the process of granting suitable employment on compassionate grounds to the next of kin of the deceased and also ensure prompt clearance of all pending medical bills submitted by those undergoing treatment at various private hospitals in Guwahati.

He reminded the government of its commitment of bearing all medical expenses incurred on treatment by the injured persons.

The Chief Minister iterated that the government would abide by its commitment and would make necessary arrangements for prompt clearance of all medical bills.

Satisfied with the Mr Lapang's assurance, Mr Chaudhuri withdrew his cut motion thereby ensuring safe passage of a supplementary demand for grants for social security and welfare.

UNI PRS KK RD 1707