GUWAHATI: Suspected militants belonging to Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) on Sunday night killed a poll candidate along with his two armed body guards in Garo Hills area of Meghalaya where election is scheduled for February 27 next.
The NCP candidate from 43 Williamnagar Legislative Assembly constituency of Garo Hills of Meghalaya, Jonathone Nengminza Sangma was killed along with his two body guards when suspected militants triggered an IED blast under his Scorpio vehicle besides opening fire on the vehicle at Samanda area while the candidate was returning from day’s electioneering from Sobokgre and Nobokgre at around 7-50 on Sunday night.
Meghalaya chief minister Mukul Sangma in his twitter handle has condemned the dastardly killing of the poll candidate and warned of stern action against the guilty even as police and paramilitary forces have launched a massive combing operation in the area.
Police suspected hands of the banned Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) behind the killing. The militants had earlier issued warning against the NCP candidate and resorted to postering in Garo language warning people of dire consequences if they supported the NCP candidate.
Jonathone N Sangma was one of nine candidates contesting the Williamnagar seat. His rivals include the State’s Social Welfare Minister Deborah C Marak of Congress, who is seeking re-election, and Marcuise N Marak of National People’s Party.