SHILLONG, Aug 13: Reiterating their demand for a CBI probe into the conspiracy surrounding the death of former HNLC leader, Cheristerfield Thangkhiew, his family said their slain kin was a victim of misuse of power by those in authority.
“We will not forget that day (August 13, 2021) when we witnessed how the state authorities misused their power. My brother is a victim of the conspiracy of the people in power,” Cheristerfield’s brother, Granary said on Sunday while paying tribute on the former’s second death anniversary on Sunday.
Granary said his brother was killed by “state-sponsored terrorists” led by then East Jaintia Hills SP, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa.
Family members along with the members of pressure groups and top brass of the HNLC also paid their tribute. Wreaths were laid at his tombstone at the Church of God cemetery at Lawmali.
Earlier on Saturday, Granary had exuded resolve that the family will continue to fight for justice.
Granary said that they had to approach the High Court for a CBI probe sincew they know that the state government would not comply with their demand.
“We had written to the Chief Secretary demanding a CBI probe into the death of Cheristerfield. But there was no response from the government,” Thangkhiew said.
According to him, the family members wanted a CBI probe because they wished to learn who had issued the order to allegedly kill his brother.
On the other hand, Granary said that the family was happy with the findings of the one-man inquiry commission headed by Justice (retd) T Vaiphei. “But sadly the government has not acted on the recommendations of the inquiry commission,” he said.
He pointed out that the report of the probe commission had said that “the police operation to arrest his brother was culpable of thoughtless and excessive use of force”.
“We have been patient but it appears that the government is trying to delay just to protect the erring police officials. We have seen that there is an attempt by the government to move away from this issue,” Granary said.
HYC Mawlai circle president, Donboklang Kharlyngdoh hailed Cheristerfield’s family for rejecting the offers of the state government to withdraw their petition in the High Court.
“We hope that the court will not listen to the state government who will try everything to deny justice to late Thangkhiew,” he said.
He said that they have knocked all the doors of the government machinery demanding action against those responsible for killing the former HNLC leader.
“Sadly, there was no positive response. The Meghalaya government has no responsibility towards protecting its citizens. The people who are in power are more concerned about protecting the interests of those who are supporting the NPP-led MDA Government,” he said.
Thangkhiew was shot dead during a police raid at his residence at Mawlai Kynton Massar locality.
The police had claimed that the former extremist leader was shot in self-defence when he had tried to stab them. Thangkhiew’s death had led to widespread violence with a mob setting vehicles afire and brandishing firearms snatched from the police.
