Let there be NIA probe into Sohan killing: Champion

SHILLONG: The chairman of GNLA, who is out on bail, favoured NIA probe into the killing of the outfit’s commander-in-chief Sohan D Shira.
Shira was shot dead on February 24 by the police a few days after the NCP candidate from Williamnagar, Jonathone Sangma, was killed by suspected GNLA militants.
“Let there be NIA inquiry. The agency can prove the nature of the killing and people are demanding probe. If there is any inquiry, I can also cooperate with police and NIA,” Champion, who came to greet his lawyer Sujit Dey at his chamber in the city on Saturday, told reporters.
Champion presented a bouquet to Dey for his legal support.
He was arrested from a place near Indo-Bangladesh border under Pynursla on July 30, 2012, and the trial of the case is still in progress in the city court.
As he is still under trial, Champion, assisted by Dey, used measured words to the questions from media persons. To a query regarding the policy of the state government not to hold talks with militants, Champion said it was up to the government to take steps.
He also said that if any cadres want to surrender, they can contact him to join the mainstream.
Champion said as per media reports, there may be still two or three GNLA cadres and they can also surrender.
When asked, Champion asserted that there was no question of going back to the jungle and added that he would be a law abiding person.
“The past is past. I am happy now to be free thanks to the intervention of the Supreme Court,” Champion said.
He did not respond when asked whether he has any plan to join politics.
“I have a vision for the future, which will not be revealed now. The current priority is to be with the family members and the rest, I will think later,” he said.