Shillong encounter: Meghalaya Human Rights Commission Chairman to head judicial enquiry

SHILLONG: T Vaiphei, Chairman of Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) will be heading the judicial enquiry committee into the killing of former HNLC cadre Cherishterfield Thangkhui , said Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma.

After a meeting with the village headmen of Mawlai and other leaders of different organizations On Wednesday in Shillong, Sangma said the appointment of T Vaiphei as the Chairperson of the Judicial enquiry will ensure independent investigation into the case.

The village headmen of Mawlai and senior leader from different organisations submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister regarding the police encounter on August 13th that led to massive unrest in the state.

ALSO READ: Meghalaya governor convoy attacked in Shillong highway

“Vaiphei, being the Chairman of Meghalaya Human Rights Commission and also the Chairperson of this committee serves both the perspectives from human rights aspect and also the fact that this judicial enquiry is given the freedom and power to independently look into the investigation.”

He said action will be taken against individuals involved in the August 13 encounter based on the report submitted by the judicial enquiry committee.

“Only after the reports come, then only it will be known who is responsible for what action and only then it will be possible to take action in terms of suspension or any other form of extreme action that has to be taken.” He said.

The members also demanded that in future, these kinds of raids or operations to be done post coordination with the headman of the particular area.

“We have informed that in future, appropriate procedure will be followed and also more steps will be taken in order to give confidence to the people. We have appealed to the headmen and others to assist the government as it in the interest of the people of the Shillong city and the state as a whole,” said Sangma.

However the members were adamant with their demand of immediate suspension of those involved in the killing of the former militant.

Upon asked on the latest law and order situation in Meghalaya, referring to the recent attack on the convoy of Governor, the CM said, “Barring few stray incidents, parents, senior citizens and elders in Mawlai area in the past two nights are moving around to ensure that there has been peace.”

Follow us on Facebook