A statement from the Meghalaya police today said that the ex-GS of the HNLC, Cheristerfield Thangkhiew had been shot by the police team in “private defence” with a ‘single round’. He was rushed to the hospital but he succumbed to his injuries. The statement said that investigations had clear indications linking the “involvement” of Thangkhiew with the IED blasts in both East Jaiñtia Hills and East Khasi Hills.
On the basis of this evidence an operation was launched by Meghalaya Police in the early morning hours of 13th August, 2021 to arrest him and his associated. The police statement further alleged that when they tried to enter his house in Kynton Massar, Mawlai , he allegedly attacked the team with a knife and tried to escape. That was when the police team used their ‘right to private defence” and shot him, the statement said.
Meanwhile, the spouse of Thangkhiew, M Diengdoh, his cousins and family has denounced the police operation which had taken the life of their family member. They told media that Thangkhiew could not have held a knife or even attack as he was down with many health problems, barely able to stand or even grip a knife in his hand.
They also alleged that two sons of Thangkhiew were taken away by the police and till now did not know their whereabouts.
