The Voice of the People Party (VPP) demanded investigation by the National Investigating Agency (NIA) into the accusations made by the Hynñiewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) that Deputy Chief Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar used to fund the militant group in the past.
The HNLC claimed that Dhar used to “covertly” fund it during his tenure as a minister in the Congress-led Government but has now distanced himself due to his association with the ruling National People’s Party.
“Such a revelation coming from a known outfit cannot be dismissed lightly. Given the gravity of the matter, the Government of Meghalaya should immediately cause a thorough and impartial inquiry into this allegation by the National Investigating Agency as it involves security and integrity of the nation,” VPP Spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh said.
The party said pending investigation the minister should be immediately dropped from the cabinet.
Expressing concern over the alleged custodial torture of two arrested HNLC members the VPP said, “Rule of law and human rights must be upheld under all circumstances, and any form of custodial abuse must be independently investigated.”
The HNLC had complained about police brutality as one of the arrested cadres was photographed with a bandaged head.
“The people of Meghalaya deserve to know the truth. The government must not remain silent in the face of such serious allegations that strike at the core of governance, ethics, and the safety of our citizens. We therefore call upon the Chief Minister to break his silence and initiate a probe immediately,” the VPP demanded.
The outfit had issued a statement a day after two suspected overground workers of the HNLC were arrested by Ri Bhoi police on May 3 also accusing the District Transport Officer (DTO) in Nongpoh of rampant corruption, especially in the registration of vehicles from outside the state.
