The Meghalaya People’s Human Rights’ Commission (MPHRC) has welcomed the state government’s decision to initiate a judicial inquiry into the ‘killing’ of former HNLC leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.
“We believe that a free, fair and impartial investigation is not only the domestic remedy available but the principle of natural justice that the government decides in its Term of Reference (TOR) for the enquiry should be clear and specific,” said MPHRC chairman Dino DG Dympep.
The MPHRC chairman further said that the inquiry should be headed by a sitting High Court judge and not a retired judge.
“…the head of the enquiry should be a sitting Judge of the High Court and not a retired Judge,” said Dympep.
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The Meghalaya Cabinet, on Monday, had decided to initiate a judicial inquiry into the ‘killing’ of former HNLC leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew.
“Cabinet has decided to constitute a judicial enquiry under the Commission of Enquiry Act to look into the events that occurred in the wee hours of August 13,” Meghalaya chief minister said after chairing the cabinet meeting.
Surrendered Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) Chesterfield Thangkhiew died in the early hours on Friday in a retaliatory firing by Meghalaya police in Shillong.
Police officials said a joint team of East Jaintia Hills police and East Khasi Hills police raided the house of surrendered HNLC leader Chesterfield Thangkhiew around 3 am on Friday at Kynton Massar in Mawlai in connection with the recent blasts in the state.