By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Jailed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) chief Champion Sangma on Tuesday suffered a major setback when the East Garo Hills district administration booked him under Meghalaya Prevention of Detention Act (MPDA).
Under MPDA, a person is detained for a maximum of three years and the accused can get bail only after an Advisory Board chaired by a retired Judge meets and decides on the matter.
The MPDA detention came at a time when the court of the chief judicial magistrate here is set to hear on Wednesday a bail application of the GNLA leader in connection with his arrest in Pynursla, East Khasi Hills.
Earlier, Champion got bail in other criminal cases. However, detention under MPDA will make it difficult for him to get bail.
An official source said on Tuesday that the GNLA chief was booked under MPDA as per various provisions of law which include waging war against the country and also for heading a banned organization.
The source added that the detention under MPDA was also due to the various criminal offences pending in the East Garo Hills district against the GNLA leader.
However, the detention under MPDA does not bar Champion from contesting upcoming Assembly election.