Shillong, March 25: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday indicated that the recent unrest in Garo Hills warrants an investigation to ascertain the sequence of events and those responsible for the violence, even as the State Government is yet to take a call on the nature of the inquiry, amid allegations of random arrests by the police following the disturbances.
The statement comes amid growing political calls for accountability following incidents of violence that reportedly led to damage to public and private property, with the Opposition seeking a detailed probe into the circumstances surrounding the unrest.
“….does requires some kind of investigation, as to know what led to the circumstances and who were involved in especially the of the section where violence took place and public property was damaged, private property was damaged, so those aspects do need to be looked into into detail but how and what kind of enquiring, the state Government is yet to examine because we of course, all been busy with this particular situation. So in the days to come, we will take a call in this,” said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
The Chief Minister further said Leader of Opposition Mukul Sangma had also raised the issue, both through a conversation and in writing, emphasising the need for an inquiry.
“Leader of Opposition Dr Mukul sangma had spoken to me and written to me a few days back, the kind of incident that happened and the kind of situation that unfolded does require some kind of investigation to take place as to what led to the circumstances and who were involved in especially the of the section where violence took place and public property was damaged, private property was damaged, so those aspects do need to be looked into into detail but how and what kind of enquiring, we are yet to examine because we of course, all been busy with this particular situation. So in the days to come, we will take a call in this,” CM said.
Chief Minister Sangma underlined that the council, being an autonomous body, would take its own decisions, with the State Government maintaining close coordination.
“We will see how it goes because again it’s not the state government, Yes, as a chief minister we are there to always guide and always give whatever thoughts from our side but ultimately District Council has to take a call. So the district Council is autonomous body, So, hence we will see and we will wait for the different decisions being made by the council but we are in close touch with the leaders of the Garo Hills Autonomous district Council, the new CEM, and the new Executive Committee and based on discussion, we will see how to move forward,” The CM said.
Responding to allegations of random arrests, Sangma maintained that law enforcement agencies would act strictly in accordance with due process and evidence.
“Again I’ve been very clear that the law has to take its course, and in that process, the police will always move on evidence and move as per the law. I am not in a position to really comment on that particular aspect. It is purely a police work and it’s not that I sit with them and go through the files and investigation as a completely independent process. And so, the concern Superintendent of Police or the concerned DIG or IG will be in a better position,” he added.
