The tragedy is that the sadness of this death, the sadness that has enveloped the educated youth, and the country as a whole, has not been understood in the proper context. Instead, their protest is seen as a law and order problem.

The death of the constable could have been avoided, if only the leaders had calmed down the protesters. After the death of the para medic student, the protesters mourned and grieved, which showed a peaceful remonstration of saddened people unable to get reconciled to the tragic truth.

Our political leaders have to understand, that the entire nation is in a state of bewildered shock, and traumatized. December 29th will certainly go down as one of the 'Blackest' days in the annals of Indian history.

In Shillong where I live civil rights leaders assembled in Don Bosco Square, which epitomizes an educational centre, as many of Shillong's schools and colleges are situated there. There were candle light protests, and posters underlying and signalling the tragedy, which at once speaks of how abonimable people in general felt about this affair. On the 30th too, I saw some students lighting candles.

The hurt, anger have not been doused. They are going to stay for a long time. Our leaders should realize that this is internal security, which is blemished, and only retribution and justice will ameliorate feelings to some extent. The next, is to concretize permanent measures to address brutal attacks on women. Simply attending funerals and mouthing platitudes will not do. Nor, is the deploying of police men in matters of civil unrest, any solution.

What do we do now? The youth are harassed, afraid. They want assurance, assurance of precious lives, and their security. Can the Government give these? The least we can do for the young lady is to pay tribute to her memory, by declaring a day of National Mourning.