Ukhrul/Shillong: The Indian Forest Service Association’s Central unit has expressed sadness and paid sincere tribute to Late Ngahanshang Luikham [from Manipur’s Ukhrul District], Chief Conservator of Forest Meghalaya, an IFS officer of the 2003 batch of Meghalaya cadre.
Described as an exceptional officer with high integrity and moral character, his untimely demise is a blow to the battle for conservation of natural resources, IFSA stated.
The Association has brought to the attention of Donland Phillips Wahlang, IAS, Chief Secretary of the Government of Meghalaya, the tragic incident of Late N. Luikham’s suicide on Wednesday, March 13, at 7:30 AM.
IFSA in a letter dated March 15, 2024 stated that one of the contributing factors to this unfortunate event, as reported, was an allegation of sexual harassment made against him by an officer working in the Government of Meghalaya. It is alleged that these fabricated accusations, purportedly backed by a powerful mining lobby in the state, caused immense mental trauma and agony to Late N. Luikham, despite no substantive evidence being found against him in the said case, maintained the association.
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The circumstances surrounding the officer’s suicide have raised serious questions, prompting the IFS Association Central Unit to request Chief Secretary Donland Phillips Wahlang to assign the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a detailed and impartial inquiry. The association emphasizes the need for stringent action against acts of abetment or negligence to prevent such tragic incidents from occurring in the future.
Dr. Suneesh Buxy, Secretary-General of the IFS Association, in the letter, expressed confidence in the Chief Secretary’s prompt action, believing that it would significantly boost the morale of young IFS officers and other All India Officers across the country. The association also seeks regular communication regarding the actions initiated and the outcomes of the inquiry.
The Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma, on the day of the tragic incident took to his X handle on March 13 saying, “Sad to bid farewell to IFS officer (L) N Luikam, who passed away this morning. My deepest condolences to his family, well-wishers and friends. As Chief Conservator of Forest, he served the State of Meghalaya with utmost dedication and sincerity. His untimely demise is a loss not only to his family but to the entire department of Forest and environment. May Almighty grant him eternal peace.”
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