CLANDESTINE nexus between politicians and militant outfits is no longer news in Meghalaya. What remains a matter of conjecture is which politician is linked to which militant group. What has made news is that police have acted on the FIR filed by an Independent MLA candidate, Jonathan Sangma against his political rival Deborah Marak. Both Sangma and Marak contested from Williamnagar Assembly constituency in the last election. Sangma claims that he and his supporters were intimidated by the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) which was allegedly openly supporting Deborah Marak. Police have acted on the FIR and have now charge-sheeted Ms Marak. Also charge-sheeted is Tennydard Marak who has been persistently pursuing the case of Chief Minister, Mukul Sangma’s scheduled tribe status. It is alleged that Tennydard Marak was the author of the pamphlets warning voters that they would face a bullet if they voted Jonathan Sangma.
Police normally act on an FIR when they believe prima-facie that an offence is committed or when the magistrate directs them to investigate the matter. Investigation primarily consists of ascertaining facts and circumstances of the case by collecting evidence and examining various persons or witnesses including the accused and taking their statements in writing. These are important steps leading to the trial of the accused person/s. In her defence Ms Marak has said that she had not sought the help of any militant outfit but that she was not in a position to answer if any of her supporters did so. This statement is hedgy. A candidate fighting a political battle keeps a close tab on all her supporters and their whereabouts including who they meet. Politics is a slippery game and supporters are known to switch sides at the drop of a hat especially when the stakes are high. It is not possible for Ms Marak not to have known what her main supporters were up to. It remains to be seen whether the prosecution clinches this case or allows it to slip through their fingers. The outcome of the case will set the tone for pursuing the politician-militant nexus to its logical conclusion.
