Unrest in Meghalaya: Curfew Clamped, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui Resigns

SHILLONG: The law and other situations of Meghalaya have worsened compelling the authorities to clamp curfew in the state following the death of a militant leader in a gunfight with security forces.

On Friday, a leader of the Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), lost his life in an encounter with the security forces.

Following which the North-eastern state people created a massive uproar and law and order situation, alleging that the former militant leader was killed in a staged encounter by the security forces.

The government has clamped down a 48-hour curfew across the state including the capital city Shillong in order to contain the situation and check violence.

As per reports, the state celebrated Independence Day under curfew yesterday. Some protesters marched with black flags during the Independence Day celebration in Shillong.

Meanwhile, the unrest has shaken the Conrad Sangma-led government as the Home Minister of state, Lahkmen Rymbui has decided to resign.

In his letter to chief minister Conrad Sangma on Sunday evening, Rymbui said he wanted to be relieved of the home department to facilitate a "free and fair" inquiry by the government into the killing of the former militant leader. He also proposed a judicial inquiry, a demand raised by several quarters, into the incident.

"Considering the gravity of the situation, I would request you to relieve the Home Department from me with immediate effect. This will facilitate free and fair enquiry taken by the government to bring out the truth of the incident. I propose judicial enquiry be conductde," the letter said.

It could be noted that Chesterfield Thangkhiew, former General Secretary of Meghalaya's Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council killed in an encounter on Friday.

Thangkhiew's funeral was held on Sunday afternoon with a large number of people taking out a motorcycle procession carrying black flags to protest against the "fake encounter."

Also Read: Meghalaya Govt Imposes Total Curfew in Shillong Agglomeration

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