The opposition Trinamool Congress and independent MLA Lambor Malngiang demanded in the Assembly today that there be an independent probe into the killing of ex-leader of the outlawed HNLC militant group Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.
A report by Justice Vaiphei had been made public only last week and it criticised the way the police conducted the raid on Thangkhiew’s house in August last year. However, names of individuals involved were redacted and citizens’ groups, pressure groups and politicians have sought for actual punishment of those responsible for Thangkhiew’s death.
TMC legislator George Lyngdoh, said, during a discussion on law and order, that, based on the Justice Vaiphei inquiry, the police were excessive in their use of force and carried out the raid recklessly.
The Umroi MLA said that the public are demanding justice and action against the culprits and there are grave questions being asked as to whether Thangkhiew was the victim of a criminal conspiracy.
“As the opposition we demand that an independent inquiry be conducted to find the culprits and the motive behind the killing of Cheristerfield Thangkhiew,” Lyngdoh said.
His party colleague, Mansynram MLA Himalaya Shangpliang, described the raid as a senseless and brutal use of force, which is a blot on the police service.
Shangpliang also said that it was expected that the government would act on the Justice Vaiphei inquiry but has, as yet, done nothing. “I demand penal action against those who killed Cheristerfield Thangkhiew. The people of Mawlai (where Thangkhiew lived) are looking to the government for justice,” he added.
Nongkrem MLA Lambor Malngiang, who is a supporter of the government, endorsed the same view and requested for an independent probe.
Mawlai representative PT Sawkmie said that he fails to understand why the names of those involved in the operation were blanked out in the report. He supports the demands of his constituents for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.
