Meghalaya Govt orders judicial probe into death of former HNLC leader; Curfew extended

SHILLONG: The ongoing total curfew in several parts of Meghalaya capital Shillong has been extended 24 hours -- till 5 am on August 18. Violence arose in the state after the alleged extra-judicial encounter of the ex-Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) militant Cherishterfield Thangkhiew on 13 August.

Meghalaya has decided to constitute Judicial Probe into the killing of former Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) general secretary Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.

Meanwhile, the government of Meghalaya shall form a Peace Committee to be headed by Meghalaya's Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong in view of the deterioration of the law and order scenario.

The state government has confirmed that the mobile internet ban will continue for the next 24 hours.

State Home Secretary CVD Diengdoh yesterday suspended internet and telecommunications service for 48 hours in four districts: East Khasi Hills, West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi Districts.

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Meanwhile, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma, commenting on the exit of Home Minister Lakhmen Rymbui, said that he will examine the matter.

The Controversial Death of Cherishterfield Thangkhiew:

Cheristerfied Thangkhiew, one of the founders of the HNLC, who had surrendered in 2018, was killed in an encounter with the police at his home in Mawlai three days after the HNLC triggered an IED blast behind a busy market area.

The rebel leader's family members, however, have claimed that he was killed in cold blood.

Yesterday, arson and vandalism were reported from many parts of Shillong, where masked men took to the streets attacking passing vehicles.

Meanwhile, the Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC) has taken suo moto cognizance of the death of former general secretary of the banned HNLC, Cheristerfield Thangkhiew on the basis of newspaper reports and sought a report from the state government in this regard.

At the same time, Delhi based NGO Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has also called for an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the killing of Cheristerfield Thangkhiew

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