Khasi family takes refuge at PS after being ousted from home over witchcraft charge

Silchar: Eight members of a Khasi family from Cachar’s Muktacherra village has sought refuge outside Joypur police station, after being allegedly driven out of their home by a section of villagers from the same tribe on charges of practising black magic and witchcraft.Forced to hide in a forest for nearly a month, the family, with their house having been demolished by the villagers, were initially offered shelter at the police station, before the cops arranged a temporary shelter for them outside the periphery of the station.An FIR filed by one Biju Khasi, on behalf of the family, has named Kringli Khasi, Brik Khasi, Stephang Khasi and Eniao Khasi for allegedly threatening the family, while stating that another 10 to 15 individuals were also involved in rendering them homeless.

“We are investigating the matter. If any criminal activity is established, appropriate action will be taken,” Joypur OC Albert Hmar said. Police are yet to make any arrests in the case.Raising questions against the villagers, the family members asked how could they possibly find the time to practise witchcraft or black magic, when they spent most of their time working in the forest to earn their livelihood.According to them, despite repeatedly trying to convince the villagers of the punji (tribal settlement), no one believed them.

The family alleged that whenever someone in the settlement fell ill, they were threatened with violence, or even death, on suspicion of practising witchcraft.Eventually, the family said they were forced to flee the punji on Feb 10. “Over the past one month we survived in the jungle by eating vines, leaves and banana plants. When it became impossible for us to continue without money or food, we decided to approach the police,” Biju Khasi said.