By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Reacting to the allegations made by the family members of the SHNLC, Banpyrkhat Langstieh stating that they have been betrayed by the police, the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police M Kharkrang on Sunday clarified that the police has no power to grant immunity to any person involved in a crime even if he surrendered.
“Arresting a person for his involvement in a crime cannot be termed as violation of Human Rights”, Kharkrang asserted even as he mentioned that Langstieh was forwarded to the court as per the existing law of the land which governs all citizens.
The family members of HNLC cadre Banpyrkhat Langstieh alias Pyntngen on Saturday criticized the East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, M Kharkrang for changing the assurance given to them that nothing will happen to the cadre once he surrendered.
Stating that the family members have been given access to Langstieh during his custody, the SP said “It is surprising that such statements has come from the family members without even bothering to meet me or any of the senior officer of the district for a clarification on his (Langstieh) arrest.”
Kharkrang explained that when he received a call that Langstieh would like to surrender to the police, the family members were requested to meet Kharkrang before the former HNLC cadre surrender.
“During the meeting, the relatives were clearly informed that if Langstieh is found to be involved in any crime in the past the due process of law will have to be taken before he is sent to the rehabilitation centre at Mawiong for which they agreed saying that they were happy that he is able to come back home after 12 years”, Kharkrang elaborated.
The SP informed that during preliminary questioning, Langstieh was found to be directly involved in the attack of Lumdiengjri PS in July 2012 and in the planting of an HNLC flag on November 2012. “This also corroborated by other evidences”, he added.
Coincidently, Kharkrang said that the allegation by the family members is similar to the recent press release issued by the HNLC where they also questioned the arrest of Banpyrkhat Langstieh.