Militant outfit demands CBI probe
SHILLONG: Nine long years after nine innocent people opposing the alleged bifurcation of MBOSE were killed in police firing at Tura and Williamnagar in Garo Hills, the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) has rekindled the twin-firing episode demanding a CBI inquiry into the incidents as well as action against the erring police officials.
Accusing Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma of scuttling for a quick and ready justification of the twin firing incidents as well as defending the officers involved claiming they were innocent, senior GNLA cadre Savio Ch Marak questioned why rubber bullets and water cannons were not used to disperse the agitating crowds.
“A sudden order came in and the confused crowd was shot at from a close range like animals. On whose orders was it done? If those officers who were on duty were not guilty, how is it that nine people lost their lives? Or did they just commit suicide?” he asked.
He slammed the state government for promoting the officials involved instead of punishing them and termed the action as a sheer joke. He demanded that those guilty should be booked and punished as per the human rights violation as well as the constitution of a CBI inquiry to give the public the clear picture of the twin incidents.
Stating that it did not need ‘backstabbing peace talks’ anymore, the militant leader implied that those in power were not sincere and did not really want the peace process to happen. The militant leader reiterated that the outfit had its own goal which was ‘Garoland’ and resolved that it would continue to strive and fight to achieve its goals.
It claimed that the true strength of the GNLA lies in its political wing comprising of qualified and top officers and not in money and fire power as many perceive and as is claimed by the police and the Chief Minister.
The militant outfit accused the State Government of over exercising its powers by appointing top cops who often implicate, torture and kill innocent citizens, and also alleged that it was trying to bury the September 30 incident.
“We also sense danger that what has happened to late Balsan and late Withson too will be a case of forgotten story thereafter. We appeal to all citizens of Garo Hills to be united, so that we don’t become victims of yet another tyranny in this democratic country,” Savio said.