Meghalaya: RTI activist Agnes Kharshiing attacked, critical

One more Right to Information (RTI) activist — Agnes Kharshiing — belonging to Meghalaya was allegedly attacked by coal mafias in Tuber Sohshrieh in East Jaintia Hills district on Thursday.

According to NDTV report, Kharshiing is stated to be critical. The attackers have not been identified yet. Following the attack, she was shifted to Lalong Civil Hospital, but later she was referred to NEIGRIHMS hospital in Shillong.

The incident took place a day after Kharshiing filed a complaint against coal-laden trucks parked at Mawiong rim in Shillong, which were later seized by the police. RTI activist has been raising her voice against mining activities in the state since the National Green Tribunal (NGT) ban.

Earlier, she had exposed rampant mining and transportation of coal despite the ban across the Khasi and Jaintia Hills.

Police informed that Kharshiing had gone to Tuber to follow up on the Nov 7 incident at Mawiong rim. She along with another member, A Sangma were attacked, dragged and left in a jungle. It was informed that Sangma managed to crawl her way to the road and sought for help.

According to The North East Today report, “Kharshiing was later found in the near-by jungle in an unconscious state. She was said to have suffered severe head injuries. The incident happened around 2.30 pm today.”

Notably, the driver who drove the duo to Jaintia Hills was left unharmed and allowed to flee. Police are yet to record his statement.

Before leaving for Tuber, a man visited her at her residence in Laitumkhrah, Shillong and reportedly offered her money, asserting her to take back the case. However, Kharshiing refused the offer and decided to go to Tuber.

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