SHILLONG: The NPP has demanded an independent probe into the two cases of custodial deaths in Garo Hills.
“We want an independent probe on the two cases to be headed either by a sitting or retired judge of the High Court,” NPP MLA James Sangma told newsmen here on Friday.
He said that his party has no faith on the magisterial inquiries instituted by the State Government to probe into the matter.
“We know that the findings of these inquiries will not provide the true picture since it will try to protect the Government,” Sangma said.
Pointing out that cases of custodial deaths have always been there many of which went unreported, Sangma said, “The proactive approach of the media and the NGOs had exposed these two cases in the eyes of the public.”
Sangma also suggested that the State Home department should accept the hard reality and come out with some kind of corrective measures to address these problems.
“The Home department needs to organise some kind of sensitization programme for the police personnel to make them aware about their role as policemen,” he added.
“I do not think it would be a wise strategy on the part of the State Government to shy away from the truth by continuing to deny this sorry state of affair which is creating a fear psychosis among the citizens of the State,” he said.
Asserting that it was the duty of the police personnel to protect and safeguard the public, the NPP legislator lamented that police personnel were shying away from their responsibilities and instead were taking the life of innocent citizens whom they should have protected.
The NPP legislator also slammed Chief Minister Mukul Sangma for always campaigning in Delhi.
“The Chief Minister is shying away from his responsibilities. We expect him (Sangma) to be in station and take stock of the situation especially at this hour when the whole of Garo Hills is burning,” the NPP legislator added.