SHILLONG: The hurry in which the state government withdrew as many as 92 cases filed against the leaders of several pressure groups under Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order (MMPO) Act for damage to property of individuals and the Government, arsons and assaults resulting in injuries among others during pro-ILP movement of 2013 has, reportedly, demoralized the state police and the respective district administration.
The state government was under pressure to withdraw the cases fearing law and order problems in city.
It was following large scale violence at the end of 2013, that the Government had instituted the Special Court to deal with both criminal and civil damage suit.
While the police promptly registered as many as 129 criminal cases against the sponsors of ILP related agitations in 2013 under Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order (MMPO) Act, 92 cases were charge sheeted on a fast track mode in 2014. Simultaneously, the Court also followed up the damage suit.
However, the Government has already decided to withdraw all the 92 criminal cases related to arson and other forms of attack, which according to sources, will dilute the role of Special Court.
An official said that though it was out of compulsion that the cases were withdrawn by the Government, it is now up to the Special Court to examine the plea of the Government to withdraw the cases.
The official, however, said that three murder cases and over Rs 31 crore damage suit will be followed up by the Government.
When contacted, a senior police official refused to comment to a question on whether police are demoralized following the withdrawal of 92 cases. The police had taken enough time and energy to build up the cases leading to the charge-sheet.
The stand of the Government has also resulted in preventing the public in filing any case in future against those who indulge in violence as they foresee that the Government of the day will ultimately succumb to the pressure resulting in withdrawing the cases.
When asked, the deputy commissioner of a particular district said that he is yet to analyze the implication of Government decision to withdraw the cases and also on whether the situation will lead to any precedence in future.
