By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Though the Meghalaya Government in the past was very prompt in booking several members of militant groups, social activists and criminals under the Meghalaya Preventive Detention Act (MPDA), there is no move at present to slap MPDA on GNLA chairman Champion R Sangma.
The MPDA detainee faces maximum 3 years of jail term which is enforced by an Advisory Board headed by a retired Judge after the police builds up cases against the accused.
Currently, Justice (retd) SP Rajkhowa is heading the Advisory Board dealing with the MPDA cases.
In the past, many GNLA cadres were booked under MPDA , but the delay on the part of the Government to start the process as far as Champion Sangma is concerned, has surprised many including police.
An official with the Political Affairs department said that since Champion is in judicial custody, the process cannot be taken up.
A senior lawyer said if Champion is booked under MPDA for three years, he would have to be in jail for the whole period.
As per MPDA, no bail will be granted for three years unless the High Court decides on the matter based on a petition.
Champion may be enjoying political patronage which has resulted in lack of pro active steps on the part of the Government to book him under MPDA, sources said.
The militant leader has already extended support of the GNLA to the Congress in the upcoming Assembly elections.