People take to streets on Che’s first death anniv

SHILLONG, Aug 13: Scores of people were led by the Voice of Hynniewtrep People and other student organisations on Saturday in joining the kin of former militant Cheristerfield Thangkhiew, who was allegedly killed in a police encounter, as they observed his first death anniversary on Saturday.
Black flags were seen hung on cars and two-wheelers as a mark of protest against the failure of the government to make public the report of the inquiry into his killing.
The gathering later congregated at the Mawlai bus stand to release black balloons as they recalled the August 13 incident that shook the entire city. They later headed to the graveyard at Lawmali to pay floral tributes to the former Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) leader.
The Voice of Hynniewtrep People had announced three days of mourning from Saturday in memory of Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.
On August 13 last year, Thangkiew was killed in police action at his residence in Mawlai-Kynton Massar in Shillong.
The 56-year-old former militant was killed during an encounter, according to the police.
A joint team of the East Jaintia Hills Police and East Khasi Hills Police had raided his house in connection with the IED blasts in the state.
The Deputy Chief Minister had earlier made an appeal to the organisations to ensure that law and order prevails and assured that the inquiry report into the killing would be tabled on the first day of the autumn session of the state assembly.