Meghalaya govt constitutes judicial enquiry into the killing of Cherish S. Thangkhiew

SHILLONG:

The Meghalaya cabinet on Monday decided to constitute a judicial Inquiry Committee to probe the August 13 encounter of Cherish S.Thangkhiew, the former general secretary of the proscribed Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).

The cabinet met today to discuss the law and order situation in Shillong, where incidents of violence drove the district administration to clamp a total curfew in the city on Sunday.

"Details were given to the cabinet ministers and officials and after considering all the aspects and suggestions, we have decided to constitute a judicial inquiry under Commission of Inquiry Act (1952) to look into the case," Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said.

Earlier, the government had ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter but the decision did not appease the public and demand for a judicial inquiry echoed from several quarters, including its ally in the Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) - the United Democratic Party (UDP).

In the meeting, the cabinet also decided to set up a Peace Committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong with cabinet ministers Hamlet Dohling and Renikton Lyngdoh Tongkhar as members.

"Based on suggestions, it was decided that religious leaders, members of civil societies, and local headmen, Synjuk ki Rangbah Shnong will also be involved in the peace committee," the CM said.

The cabinet has also extended the curfew till 5 am on Wednesday along with the mobile internet ban.

"There will be a sub committee, headed by the Chief Minister, which will look into security, and law and order. Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister will also be part of it. The committee will examine different aspects of law and order and analyse future threats, besides strengthening the functioning of the police department," Sangma said.

Meanwhile, the chief minister informed that he has already briefed the Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the prevailing law and order situation in the state and has requested additional central forces.

Three more companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and two companies of Border Security Force (BSF) have been sought. While some have already reached Shillong, the remaining companies will shortly arrive in the capital city. 

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