Massive outrage in Meghalaya: The government initiated judicial inquiry into the death of ex-militant leader

A major chaos have erupted in the capital city of Meghalaya in connection with the alleged killing  of a former extremist leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew by the police at his  residence on the morning of 13th August. 

Massive outrage in Meghalaya: The government initiated judicial inquiry [Courtesy: PTI]

The death of the former miliant has led to a massive crisis in Meghalaya. The protestors have vandalised vehicles, incidents of arson and stone-pelting were also reported in Shillong and the nearby areas. 

On the night of 15th August a group of unidentified masked miscreants have hurled petrol bomb at the personal residence of Meghalaya’s Chief Minister Conard K Sangma.

Following the mob violence across the city the government has imposed a curfew in Shillong till 5 am on 18th August and internet as well as telecommunication services  were also suspended in the four districts of Meghalaya.

Who was Cherishterfield Thangkhiew?

Thangkhiew was the founding general secretary of the Hynniewtrep Achik Liberation Council (HACL), Meghalaya’s first separate militant tribal organization which was later divided into Hynniewtrep National Liberal Organization (HNCL). 

Cherishterfield Thangkhiew [Courtesy: Facebook]

It started as a movement against the migration of the outsiders in Meghalaya from the neighbouring countries as well as other parts of India. The group claimed to represent the interest of the Khasis, the Jaintias, and the Achik Matgrik Liberation Army.

The HNCL which was founded by Thangkhiew demanded an independent homeland from India whereas the Garos wanted a separate state within the constitution of India. However, in 2004 Thangkhiew left for Bangladesh and after spending several years there he surrendered himself to the government of Meghalaya in 2018. 

Although he claimed to have retired from the militant group but the police suspected his active involvement in two IED blasts in the last six months. 

Two people were injured in the blast of Shillong’s Laitumkhrah market last week after which the police raided the house of Thangkhiew on 13th morning in connection with the IED blast.

As per the police statement, Thangkhiew allegedly attacked them with a knife in an attempt to escape which led them to fire at him to their defence.

The former leader’s family have denied to the statement made by the police and claimed the killing to be a “Cold-blooded murder”.

 A press conference was held  by the Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma on August 16. He said “In this case, also, the police have worked very hard day to night to resolve this issue. An unfortunate incident took place which was not intentional. But as said to be fair to all, we must allow the judiciary department to take place”.

The Meghalaya government have ordered judicial probe into the killing of the former rebel leader.

Author:

Swagata Chakraborty