An anonymous letter was sent to the Rangbah Shnongs of Mawlai Town Dorbar which purportedly states that the three INSAS rifles snatched from police of Mawkynroh police outpost were thrown in the river at Umpohliew bridge, Jaiaw Laitdom, Jaiaw-Polo link road.
A copy of the letter dated 20th August, 2021 was also addressed to East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police and the press.
According to the letter written in Khasi language, a group of boys possibly between the ages of 15-16 were spotted carrying the rifles in Lawmali area. When they were questioned the boys had told the anonymous person (s) that they managed to snatched the rifles from the Mawkynroh police.
“As brothers we were afraid that they might misuse the rifles, therefore we took and threw them from the Umpohliew bridge, Jaiaw Laitdom, Jaiaw-Polo link road,” the letter claimed.
It also stated, “After seeing reports that the dorbar shnongs and the government appealed that those rifles should be returned, we felt it is important to inform. We apologise that we didn’t think before throwing them (rifles) away because it was for the good of those boys and we were scare that they might misuse them.”
Stating that they are sure that if authorities fish out the rifles they will find them, the letter said, “This is the truth and not fake or false news.”
Meanwhile, East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police, Sylvester Nongtnger said police will investigate on the matter.
It may be mentioned that unidentified men snatched the weapons from policemen at Mawkynroh police outpost and brandished them while riding in the police black Scorpio, during the funeral of the ex-HNLC leader Cherishterfield Thangkhiew on August 15.
The video which went viral on social media also attracted huge attention even as it was also referred to as a ‘Taliban-like’ situation.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had also said that firm action will be taken against all those people who are involved and demanded immediate return of the weapons.
The Mawlai Town dorbar also made and appeal for their return and claimed that the state government has assured that no legal action would be taken against those involved.
Three of the four police personnel whom the assault rifles were snatched have been suspended.
