|
Meghalaya Chief Minister defends encounter |
 |
Not withstanding the angry outbursts of the NSCN (I-M) over the killing of five of its cadre in Sohryngkham in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya Chief Minister D.D. Lapang said on October 9 that the state would not be allowed to be used by any group for criminal activities. He said his government has taken a tough stand and said the killing of the five NSCN (I-M) cadre was justified.
Lapang said his government would continue to deal with all kind of criminal activities with a firm hand.
Significantly, Lapangs reactions came close on the heels of Union Minister Oscar Fernandezs visit to Meghalaya on October 8. Fernandez is said to have done a quick assessment of the circumstances leading to the encounter between the police and the NSCN (I-M) cadre.
Box item -
Sangma to resign from the Lok Sabha
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader and former Lok Sabha Speaker, P.A. Sangma, has announced his decision to resign from the Lok Sabha following the firing in Garo hills that resulted in the death of nine people.
Party spokesperson D.P. Tripathi described Sangmas decision as pro-people and a tremendous sacrifice that would not go in vain.
We welcome the decision, Tripathi told the media in an informal chat. His decision is worthy of a true leader who has identified with the pain and sufferings of the people.
Sangma who arrived in New Delhi on Sunday, is expected to brief the media on today (Monday, Oct 10).
The decision to resign from the Lok Sabha comes only a couple of months after the veteran politician decided to rejoin the NCP after quitting the Trinamool Nationalist Congress (TNC).
The NCP, led by Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar, is an important constituent of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at the Centre. However, it has not joined the coalition in Meghalaya, which, too, is led by the Congress.
Among all the north-eastern states, the NCP has a presence only in the Garo hills. The party has seven MLAs in a House of 60 in Meghalaya.
On the killings in Tura and Williamnagar, Tripathi said the matter would be taken up and discussed with UPA chairperson and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.
If need arises, we will call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and apprise him of the seriousness of the situation there. We also want an investigation into the incident, he said.
Box ends here
|
