Former GS of HNLC Cheristerfield Thangkhiew killed in Meghalaya encounter

A CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG: Former general secretary of the proscribed HNLC (Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council), Cheristerfield Thangkhiew was killed in the wee hours of Friday morning.

According to police, Thangkhiew was killed after he resisted the police who had gone to his house in Kynton Massar, Mawlai to arrest him, after they found evidence that he was involved in the IED blasts in East Jaintia Hills and Shillong.

Meghalaya Police, Public Relations Officer, G. K. Iangrai informed that after the police started investigating the two IED blasts which led to the arrests of several persons; and from their statements and material evidences collected, there were clear indications linking the involvement of Thangkhiew in both the criminal cases.

Iangrai informed that based on these leads, the police had gone to his house. But he reportedly attacked the police team with a knife as an attempt to escape.

"The police team exerting the right to private defence, fired a single round which hit the surrendered cadre," stated Iangrai, adding that after being hit, the former militant was immediately rushed to the Civil Hospital, Shillong for medical assistance. Unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries. Though the Police had picked up both his sons for verification but were released in the evening.

State Director General of Police, R. Chandranathan said, "The raids and search operations are done after a lot of work and not done on whims and fancies," even as he said that it is the officers on the ground that decides such aspects like the timing of the raid.

Chandranathan also said that there was urgency in the wake of the blasts which occurred on August 10 and the threat looming large in the run up to the Independence Day celebrations. The DGP also said that more persons will be arrested.

Meanwhile, one of the sons of the slain former HNLC militant alleged that the police barged into their house and pulled them out of their bed and made them lie on the floor besides assaulting them. He also said that his father had a kidney problem and could not have fought the police.

Also Read: Meghalaya Police Guns Down Former HNLC Militant Chesterfield Thangkhiew In Fierce Encounter

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