Greeva Garg –
Published on: August 17,2021 16:07 IST
Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma has announced to conduct a judicial investigation into the recent encounter killing of former General Secretary of Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.
Cheristerfield Thangkhiew had been encountered during a police raid at his house in Shillong on August 12, 2021.
Violent protests broke out in different places in Shillong after Thangkhiew was killed in a police operation. Thangkhiew’s supporters committed vandalism and arson on Independence Day, forcing the administration to clamp curfew in State Capital Shillong.
Following violent protests in Shillong and adjoining areas, the Meghalaya Government has decided to constitute a judicial inquiry under the Commission of Inquiry Act, to look into the events that took place on August 13.
Chesterfield was a former militant, and police have alleged his involvement in the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) explosion at Iew Shillong, Laitumkhrah on August 10, in which two people were injured.
After discussion in an emergent cabinet meeting, Sangma announced that, “Apart from the judicial inquiry, the State Government will set up a peace committee headed by Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong comprising representatives of civil society organisations, community heads as members. Union Home Ministry has sanctioned five companies of the Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, including Border Security Force (BSF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to assist the Government.”
Regarding the situation, the Government has decided to extend the ongoing curfew till 5 a.m. on August 18. Also, the mobile internet services will remain suspended for next 24 hours of cabinet meeting.