Law and order situation is “perfectly fine” in state, says Meghalaya Guv SP Malik
The Governor, whose convoy was attacked on August 17 at Jingkieng Mawlai, said that he is baffled why the attackers targeted him. “It shouldn’t have happened. Firstly, I was not in the convoy and I am sure I am not in the attackers’ list of targets,” he said.
SHILLONG:
Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik said that the law and order situation in Meghalaya is “perfectly fine”. Speaking to the press at Raj Bhawan on Monday, Malik said that compared to other states, “there is nothing (in Meghalaya) which can be termed as a breakdown of law and order”. He, however, added that “sometimes, eruptions do occur but that happens in every state”.
The Governor, whose convoy was attacked on August 17 at Jingkieng Mawlai, said that he is baffled why the attackers targeted him. “It shouldn’t have happened. Firstly, I was not in the convoy and I am sure I am not in the attackers’ list of targets,” he said.
When asked about the August 13 encounter at Mawlai Kynton Massar that led to the death of ex-militant Cheristerfield Thangkhiew, Malik termed the incident as “unfortunate” and said that a judicial probe is the only way to get to the truth. "The incident should not have happened in the first place. But now that it has, a judicial probe is the only way to find out what is what and who is at fault," said Malik.
He also added that only the inquiry report will reveal if it was a case of human rights violation. “If it is proved in the inquiry that there was an unnecessary and excessive use of force, then it is a violation - otherwise it is not,” he said.
The Governor however refrained from commenting on the demand for suspension of two top police officials allegedly involved in the encounter, saying, “Let the inquiry report come out and after that, the government will take necessary action,” he said.
When asked if he would consider initiating talks with the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council’s (HNLC) to get them to the negotiation table, Malik said, “I cannot initiate (talks) until they (HNLC) lay down arms, and pledge their commitment to the Indian Constitution.”
It may be mentioned that the HNLC had earlier backed out of the peace talk offer after the August 13 encounter.
(Edited by Ibankyntiew Mawrie)
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