SHILLONG: South Shillong MLA and BJP leader Sanbor Shullai has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the latter’s intervention into the release of father Stan Swamy “unconditionally” in consideration of his age and health-related condition.
In the letter, a copy of which was available with The Shillong Times, the MLA said that the 83-year-old Jharkhand-based Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist, was arrested by the NIA on October 8.
The MLA said that Swamy’s whereabouts are completely unknown since last Thursday. “The arrest of father Stan Swamy, who has dedicated his life with a mission to uplift the tribals of Jharkhand, has triggered insecurity among the minority Christian community not only across the state but throughout the country,” the letter stated, adding that the move is “highly questionable and condemnable”.
Sanbor said that Swamy’s contribution in the past should also not be overlooked.
The legislator maintained that at his age, Swamy has the right to be given a chance to prove his innocence, while stating that the NIA can look into a “smoother and gentle” way to handle this highly volatile development.