SHILLONG, MAY 28: The Centrepoint Group has strongly condemned the assault on workers at its resort project site in Laitkynsiew, calling it a shocking and distressing incident and urging the government to take stringent action against those involved.
According to the Group, a group of about 15 youths claiming to be from the KSU entered the project site without permission on Wednesday and assaulted workers.
“At around 2:45 PM, a group of about 15 youths claiming to be from the KSU entered the project site without permission and began threatening and assaulting workers present at the site,” the Centrepoint Group said in a statement.
“Several workers were seriously injured in the incident, while one carpenter, Rajkumar Sharma, suffered serious head injuries and is currently undergoing treatment in hospital,” it said.
“We are deeply concerned about this violent and illegal act.”
Managing Director Larsing Sawyan said the Group, which originated in Meghalaya, has worked to create jobs and promote tourism in the state.
“As one of the leading hospitality and infrastructure groups in Meghalaya, we have worked hard to create employment opportunities, promote tourism and bring in quality infrastructure that brings pride and benefits to the state and its people,” Sawyan said.
“Our hospitality and allied businesses support the livelihoods of many families in the state. As a Group, we have over 680 employees on our payroll and we are proud to be among the largest local employers in the state as we continue to invest and set up projects for Meghalaya’s future,” he added.
Sawyan said the incident goes beyond an attack on a business. “We see this violence not only as an attack on a business but as a violation of the fundamental rights of citizens of India — the right to live in safety, to earn a livelihood, to dignity and protection under the law,” he said.
He added that such actions hurt the state’s development.
“Assaults on local businesses that have shown the ability to create jobs and bring development to the rural areas of the state are also assaults on the progress and aspirations of the people of Meghalaya. Such actions delay and destroy the state’s march towards sustainable and inclusive growth,” Sawyan said.
“This incident severely damages the image and future of Meghalaya. Such acts deter investment, make workers fearful and destroy the state’s great potential, especially in rural areas that are still underdeveloped, where many people live in poverty and are in dire need of employment opportunities,” he said.
Sawyan stressed that the state’s growth depends on peace and security. “The people of Meghalaya are widely known for their friendliness, hospitality and vision. We refuse to believe that intimidation, lawlessness and violence stem from the will of our society. The state’s growth, tourism and livelihoods can flourish only in peace, security and mutual respect,” he said.
“The people of the state must work together to ensure that the progress and development Meghalaya rightfully deserves is not sabotaged by misguided elements who seek to create fear and conflict,” he added.
The Group has urged the government to act. “We urge the government to take immediate and stringent action against those involved and to ensure the safety of workers and project sites across the state,” the statement said.
Sawyan also appealed to citizens to condemn the violence. “We also appeal to all citizens of the state to come forward and condemn such acts of violence because these acts not only delay development but also endanger the safety of our own people who work and study outside,” he said.
