FKJGP complains against IAF’s ‘Trespassers will be shot’ signage

A Reporter

SHILLONG: The Federation of Khasi-Jaiñtia and Garo People (FKJGP) have sought the intervention of the State Government into the alleged threat by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to shoot at “trespassers”.

In a complaint lodged with the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district, FKJGP Upper Shillong president Kitboklang Nongphlang informed that the IAF has pasted posters along the outer boundary wall of its premises from Hynñiew Mer (Upper Shillong) to Mawnianglah and Mawkhan which read “Trespassers will be shot.”

He said while understanding that trespassing into any high security premises is a criminal offence, but this kind of threat of use of force by shooting has caused concern among local residents as none of them so far have any ill-will against the IAF.

Nongphlang also said there has been no case of trespassing into the IAF premises since the Eastern Air Command (EAC) was shifted to the area since June 1963. According to him, the people of the area are simple villagers who have no bad intention against anybody let alone the IAF.

“As you are aware, people of the area would daily move outside the boundary wall for their day-to-day activities and any error of judgment by either the simple villagers or the armed IAF personnel could result in fatality given the threat already given in such IAF posters,” he said.

The FKJGP leader also demanded that the DC takes up the matter with the IAF so that such kind of unnecessary fear is removed and also to ensure that the age-old good relationship between the defence forces and civilians of the area is maintained and respected.

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