Rymbui: In democracy people have right to express their views

Shillong, Aug 31: Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Tuesday said that in a democracy people have the right to express their views.

Speaking to reporters, Rymbui said, “In democracy, everybody has the right to express and we from the government our stand is to serve the people but there are rules and procedures that need to be followed. Therefore, the government will examine and see what needs to be done.”

The Home Minister also assured that the state government will examine the demand to suspend the police officers for ensuring a free and fair inquiry into the alleged killing of the ex-HNLC leader Cherishterfield Thangkhiew on August 13.

He however said whatever the government is doing, it should not be just a knee-jerk reaction but it should bring satisfaction to everyone.

Asked, Rymbui said, “…we have to see the pros and the cons and being in the government to do anything there is a process so that process or what is the process we have to look from all angles we cannot just act in a haste and we should not think that to correct one wrong, if it is wrong then other wrong we will commit, so whatever we will do we will do in the best interest of the state.”

On Tuesday, residents of Mawlai under the banner of ‘Sur Ki Nong Mawlai’ handed over letters to several MLAs of Khasi-Jaintia Hills including Rymbui demanding justice for Thangkhiew.

The others were – Mawlai legislator Process T Sawkmie, Adelbert Nongrum, Mohendro Rapsang, Alexander Laloo Hek, Banteidor Lyngdoh, Hamletson Dohling, Renikton Lyngdoh, Pius Marwein, Sanbor Shullai, Brolding Nongsiej, Lambor Malngiang, Gigur Myrthong, George Lyngdoh and Kimfa Marbaniang.