Discussions in the Assembly on improvised explosive device (IED) attacks in Meghalaya over the past few years saw Gambegre MLA Saleng Sangma remember his party colleague Jonathone Sangma, who was killed in such an attack ahead of the 2018 elections. Three other people also died in that particular blast.
No one claimed responsibility for the gruesome attack that shocked Meghalaya but suspicion was cast on the banned Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA).
Today, Saleng called for a central agency investigation into the blast, for which no one has been convicted.
Jonathone was running on a Nationalist Congress Party ticket for the Williamnagar seat. He had also unsuccessfully contested the 2013 election as an independent.
On the fateful night, Jonathone was returning to Williamnagar after a day of campaigning when the IED was triggered as his convoy drove by.
The incident was preceded by posters appearing in certain areas of Williamnagar constituency threatening anyone who voted for the NCP with death. Jonathone had also filed a case in 2013 against then sitting MLA Deborah Marak, alleging that she had sought the help of the GNLA to intimidate people to vote for her.
Saleng’s demand for a central probe was supported by sitting Williamnagar legislator, Marcuise N Marak of the National People’s Party.
In response, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said that police are on the case but declined to provide further details as the matter is being looked into by a judicial commission.
