Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has backed the state police (File)
Shillong:
Supporters of former insurgent leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew, who was killed in an alleged police encounter on Aug. 13, have refused to join the peace committee set up by Prime Minister Conrad K Sangma to try to prevent the leader’s death. investigations – unless the police officers involved in the operation are suspended.
“We have decided not to be part of the government’s peace committee until the two top officers responsible for the raid have been suspended,” said Donboklang, an activist from Mawlai Kynton Massar, where the alleged meeting took place.
According to police, Cheristerfield Thangkhiew allegedly attacked police with a knife when his home was raided, provoking a retaliatory shot that killed him.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has supported the state police.
“We have been able to contact the elders of the community, the chiefs, civil society and have built trust and thus we are able to relax the curfew. We have ordered an inquest into the murder of the former militant leader. People sometimes don’t realize the effort the police are making to maintain peace and security,” said Conrad Sangma.
Other members who were part of the meeting with the Chief Minister on Wednesday said it stops with him.
“It is time for the Chief Minister to show that he has the ability to lead the state,” said Marbud Dkhar, part of the delegation who met the Chief Minister.
The opposition has also targeted the Chief Minister.
“Even before the investigation (has started), the Chief Minister defends the police, this is not acceptable,” said opposition leader Dr. Mukul Sangma.
