As unanswered questions continue to shroud the deaths of two young Hajong youths whose bodies were found hanging inside a roadside shed at Lumsohphoh in Nongthymmai on Sunday morning, grief, disbelief and growing demands for justice spilled onto the streets of Shillong on Tuesday evening, with a large gathering of family members, friends and concerned citizens assembling at Khyndailad, popularly known as Police Bazar, for a candlelight vigil.
The solemn gathering, organised by the Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association, brought together mourners, community members and well-wishers who paid tribute to 21-year-old Semanto Hajong of Ranikor and 22-year-old Pronome Hajong of Balat, both from South West Khasi Hills district. While police have indicated that preliminary findings point towards a possible case of suicide, the victims’ families and friends have firmly rejected the theory, insisting that the deaths warrant a thorough and impartial investigation.
The deaths have sparked concern among members of the Hajong community, with many arguing that crucial questions remain unanswered. The uncertainty surrounding the circumstances under which the young couple died has only deepened the anguish of those who knew them, prompting calls for authorities to uncover the truth and ensure accountability if foul play is established.
A large number of people gathered at Khyndailad carrying candles and placards as they demanded justice for the deceased youths. The vigil was marked by emotional scenes, with relatives and friends recalling the lives of the two young victims and expressing disbelief over the circumstances of their deaths.
Among those attending the vigil was Reshina Hajong, a close friend of Pronome, who broke down while remembering her friend and demanding justice.
“I don’t believe my best friend can commit suicide. I demand justice for 22 year old Pronome Hajong and 21-year-old Semanto Hajong,” she said.
Family members echoed similar sentiments, maintaining that they are unable to accept the possibility that the deaths were self-inflicted.
Rini Hajong, sister of one of the victims, said, “I don’t have doubt on anyone but I believe this is a murder case and we are demanding justice. Some one must have committed the crime and we want strict punishment for the perpetrators.”
Another relative, Sesma Hajong, said the family was awaiting the outcome of the post-mortem examination before drawing further conclusions.
“FIR has been done, once the post mortem report come, we will know further, there is no reason to commit suicide,” she said.
The Meghalaya Hajong Welfare Association said it organised the peaceful vigil to express solidarity with the bereaved families and to seek a fair investigation into the deaths. Participants urged authorities not to rule out any possibility until all forensic and investigative findings are available.
Aditya Hajong, President of the Meghalaya Indigenous Minority Schedule Tribe Forum, said the gathering was intended both as a mark of respect for the deceased and as an appeal for justice.
“Every one, today came here to give condolences and ask the administration to take appropriate steps regarding the investigation and justice should be served. The post mortem report is yet to come, so we have not reached any conclusion,” he said.
The deceased couple, who were reportedly in a relationship and employed locally, had been residing separately in accommodations provided by their respective employers. Their bodies were discovered inside a roadside shed at Lumsohphoh, Nongthymmai, on Sunday morning, setting off intense speculation and emotional reactions across the region.
As investigators continue their probe, the case remains enveloped in uncertainty. While police continue to maintain that preliminary findings suggest a possible suicide, the families insist that the circumstances surrounding the deaths raise serious doubts. With the post-mortem report still awaited, the mystery surrounding the deaths of Semanto Hajong and Pronome Hajong continues to haunt their loved ones, who gathered under the glow of candlelight in Shillong with a single demand — that the truth be established and justice delivered.
