The Sur Ki Nong Mawlai has demanded that the state government punish the police personnel who were involved in the raid that led to the death of ex-militant Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.
Addressing reporters today, Sanbor Rapsang, a representative of one of the pressure groups that make up the Sur Ki Nong Mawlai said that the inquiry report of Justice Vaiphei, which was made public last week, describes the police raid as thoughtless and an example of excessive use of force and that, in the group’s eyes, means that those responsible should be punished.
There is no reason why the government should now summon the tactical team involved in the raid for an explanation now (as Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said would happen) as the Justice Vaiphei inquiry has clearly found them at fault, he added.
Another member of the group described the killing of Thangkhiew as an act of cowardice on the part of police, saying that it was unnecessary as the former leader of the outlawed Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council, who was suspected by police of having returned to militant activity, lived openly in Mawlai and was not in hiding.
Meanwhile, a public meeting in Jowai also expressed dissatisfaction over the inquiry report.
Speakers at the meeting condemned the state government for publishing only a modified inquiry report with certain names redacted.
The meeting was led by members of various pressure groups.
