Shillong, Aug 13: Family members of the late Cheristerfield Thangkhiew remembered the slain former HNLC leader on his fifth death anniversary today.
Thangkhiew was shot dead on August 13, 2021 at around 3am. Police had raided his house on suspicion that he had been involved in IED blasts in the state in the days prior. According to police, he was shot in self-defence after he allegedly tried to attack them with a knife. Although Thangkhiew had officially laid down his arms, it was believed that he was secretly still working for the outlawed Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC).
The Meghalaya Human Rights Commission (MHRC), which inquired into the encounter, observed that the use of lethal force was not justified in the circumstances.
The MHRC concluded that the action amounted to a violation of human rights and recommended that the state government take appropriate action against the officials found responsible. It also recommended compensation to the next of kin.
Granary Thangkhiew, Cherister’s younger brother, called the MHRC judgement fair but rued that the state government has not acted against those involved. The police raid was led by then East Jaintia Hills Superintendent of Police Jagpal Singh Dhanoa. Thangkhiew was said to have been behind an IED blast at the police reserve in Dhanoa’s district. Dhanoa is currently the SP of West Jaintia Hills.
“They know the exact persons who were involved and the same persons had even admitted before the MHRC that what they did was wrong,” he said.
Granary added that the matter is now pending before the Meghalaya High Court. The family had filed an RTI seeking the findings of the magisterial inquiry but the request was denied by the government, which cited certain provisions under which the findings cannot be disclosed.
