Take down black flag posts, cops told

SHILLONG/NONGSTOIN, Aug 19: In the wake of a chain of events which unfolded following the killing of former HNLC general secretary, Cheristerfield Thangkhiew, the Meghalaya Police has directed all police personnel, including officers, to take down their display profiles and/or WhatsApp statuses with black flags or comments against the department “showing sympathy” to Cheristerfield, terming such actions as uncalled-for.
The Police department took cognisance of this matter during a video conference between the department and the Director General of Police (DGP), R Chandranathan.
In a message to all officers in-charge of different police stations and outposts as well as the traffic branch here, the Superintendent of Police (DSB), East Khasi Hills, said, “You are directed to brief all officers and men under your command and control to delete and discard such display profiles and WhatsApp status immediately otherwise strict disciplinary action will be initiated against them.”
Meanwhile, Seng Samla Mawlai Pyllun (SSMP) president, Samuel Biam, on Thursday, clarified that they are demanding the suspension of East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police, Jagpal Dhanoa, and SP (Traffic), Shailendra Bamaniya, who had led the raid on August 13.
Locals protest
Locals in Nongstoin on Thursday staged a protest against the killing of Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.
As part of the protest, a rally was organised, which started from nearby IB PWD Road Nongstoin up to Nonbah-Ladweitang. Later, a public meeting, too, was held at the Nongstoin market.
During the public meeting, the locals condemned the alleged actions of the police. The state government, too, was held accountable by the locals for not being able to create a better relationship with the public.
The residents, during the protest, also demanded justice for Cheristerfield, and appealed that the ones culpable be booked under relevant sections of law.