Shillong Nov 13: The Asia Pacific Network of Environment Defenders (APNED) has condemned the brutal attack on social activist, Agnes Kharshiing and her aide, Amita Snagma in coal-rich East Jaiñtia Hills district of Meghalaya.

APNED is a regional solidarity network of environment and human rights defenders.

A statement issued by April Porteria of APNED Secretariat strongly condemned the brutal attack carried out against Agnes Kharshiing and Amita Sangma by suspected elements of coal mafias at Tuber Shohshrieh, East Jaiñtia Hills.

APNED said that Agnes and her colleague were conducting documentation and investigation of illegal activities with regards to coal mining and its transportation on November 8 when they were attacked.

“While the police claimed to be investigating the incident, the attack is a clear manifestation of the culture of impunity in our communities. Environment and human rights defenders are becoming more insecure with the current climate of impunity and fascist governments in their countries, as well as the intensifying crisis leading to unrelentless plunder of natural resources,” APNED said.

Calling for an immediate and independent investigation into the incident and arrest and prosecute of perpetrators, the APNED asked the Central government to address not just this incident, but the increasing and alarming rate of environment and human rights defenders being attacked in India.

“The local government unit of Meghalaya should also immediately stop the illegal coal mining and limestone quarrying. These illegal activities are undermining human rights of the communities and their supporters, and also putting people’s health and the environment in great danger,” the statement said.

The statement also said, “The attack on Agnes and Amita, we believe, is part of the ongoing crackdown on human rights defenders, environmentalists, and political activists in India.”