Congress accuses Meghalaya CM of trying to influence the probe into killing of Thangkhiew

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 18, 2021

The opposition Congress on Wednesday accused the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma of trying to influence the whole process of inquiry into the alleged killing of former HNLC leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew in his residence at Mawlai Kynton Massar on August 13.

Addressing media persons after a CLP meeting, Leader of Opposition said that the Congress had demanded an independent inquiry which should enable people to have complete transparency on the circumstances which led to the unfortunate incident.

He said the demand for an independent inquiry means that they want the truth and based on that further course of action as per law must follow.

“Unfortunately, I have been following the news, the Chief Minister is already trying to influence the whole process of inquiry even before the notification to have that kind of independent inquiry for that matter a judicial inquiry has been notified,” Mukul alleged.

“Nobody should try to influence the course of investigation if we want the truth to come out. We want the truth based on which other course of actions should follow. The other micro management and other aspects which is the job of the government, we will not dwell on this,” he added.

Stating the unfortunate incident had affected the credibility of any government, the former Chief Minister said that the unfortunate alleged fake encounter resulting in killing of one of the top leaders of HNLC who had on good faith based on the outreach made by the government came and surrendered as he wanted to be part of the national mainstream.

“Now at any point of time in the future after 10-20 years from now what has happened on August 13 will be spoken about. There will be hundreds of questions can we trust can we have confidence on the system that is why I am saying destruction is complete,” he said.

He continued, “It has got huge meaning. Please understand this state is very vulnerable. I have said this many times in my meetings in Delhi that these are frontier states. (In the) North East you have a supermarket where sophisticated weapons are available the moment you have money you can buy any kinds of sophisticated arms and ammunition, this is the reality of the North East.

Everyone knows it, Delhi knows it, I know it, the chief minister knows it. Therefore, we have to be prepared to face challenges in the future and we must know how to overcome those challenges, we must be prepared but the way they have destroyed the state I am telling it will be very difficult for the future.”

On the other hand, the Leader of Opposition said the Meghalaya police organization is one the most efficient organizations even now but the fact is that there has been complete manipulation in matters of posting and transfer of the police officers.

“The people who are committed to fulfill their responsibilities as true police officers have been systematically sidelined. It is a very dangerous trend that has taken place and there is a reason why you see lots of negative comments on our police organization,” he said while adding that is why he wanted the meeting of the state security commission (SSC) to be held at the earliest to know the reason behind the transfer of each officer.