SHILLONG, Sept 3: Opposition leader Dr. Mukul Sangma on Friday maintained that the probe into the alleged fake encounter of former Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) leader, Cheristerfield Thangkhiew, should be fair, independent and impartial even as he took a jibe at the NPP-led MDA government over its integrity in ordering the probe.
“If the inquiry has to be independent it has to be really independent. It is for the state government to make sure that there is a fair, independent and impartial probe into this case,” Sangma told reporters here.
Reminding that the case involves allegations of “fake encounter” by the police, he questioned whether or not the inquiry would be independent as it involves top police officials.
“People have raised questions as to why the top police officials are still in the office. The questions which have been raised are very genuine,” the Opposition leader said.
“The people in authority will have to act to ensure that the inquiry is completely independent and not subjected to any external pressure. You will have a number of police personnel of lower rank who will be questioned during the course of the inquiry. Will they be ready to speak and share the truth?” he said.
When asked, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma maintained that action will be initiated after the government receives the judicial inquiry report. He added that legal action should be taken after the inquiry is completed.
Mukul, however, pointed out that the inquiry pertains to police personnel of different ranks. “All the police personnel are expected to be questioned if one has to unearth the truth. The question also arises if the subordinate in the police organisation will dare to give any statement which will be inconsistent with the fact or in consonance with the truth,” the Opposition leader said.
Earlier on Thursday, senior Congress leader Ampareen Lyngdoh indicated that her party intends to corner the NPP-led MDA government during the Autumn session of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly over the incident that triggered unrest in Shillong.
“We are keen on a debate to know the details of the incident. We hope the government allows us to discuss the issue in the House,” she said, after meeting the members of Ka Sur Ki Nong Mawlai, an umbrella body of 11 organisations.
Moreover, Ka Sur Ki Nong Mawlai has written to all the 35 legislators from Khasi-Jaintia Hills region to support the demand for suspension of DGP R Chandranathan, East Jaintia Hills SP Jagpal Singh Dhanoa and SP (Traffic) Shailendra Bamaniya in connection with the killing of the former HNLC leader.
