Shillong, Aug 5 NNN: There is a possibility that the chairman of Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) supremo Champion R Sangma would propose a “pro-talk” with the state government.
It can be noted that on July 30 last, Champion Sangma, the police officer-turned-militant, was arrested by the state police along the International Indo-Bangladesh border, hours after he was pushed by Bangladesh security forces. Soon after his arrest, Champion was remanded to 15 days police custody by the judicial court.
“Champion has asked me to also discuss with him thoroughly about the possibilities of a pro-talk”, Champion’s official lawyer Sujit Dey told a group of reporters in Shillong.
Yesterday, Sujit Dey who has been appointed by the family of Champion as his official lawyer has visited him (Champion) and had a one hour talk with the chief of GNLA.Further asked on the ‘pro talk’, Dey said, “There is possibility for negotiation with the State”.
This assume significance in light of the fact that the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) fighting for a separate Garo land has under taken to arm struggle and is still considered active in the Garo hills region while, its Commander –in –Chief (C-in-C) Sohan Shira is still at large and is involved in a reign of terror is Garo hills region of the State.
While, the State as well as the Central government has always maintained that possibility of any negotiation with GNLA is ruled out until they give up arms.
Dey also refuted media reports in a section of news paper “that Champion is treated like a king”- this is totally false- the advocate said. “I met him he is looking healthy and he has been given the facilities by the detaining authority as per the Constitution”.
He informed that a case no 25(7) 2012 u/s 120, 120(B) 120 (A) 121 IPC r/w section 16.38 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act has been registered at Pynursla P S on August 3, 2012.
Asked what would be his course of action, the advocate said “tomorrow I shall apply for a certified copy from Additional Deputy Commissioner (judicial) after getting permission from Court and on receiving the papers I shall be in a better position to understand the merit of allegation as leveled against him” adding “no one is a criminal until proven beyond reasonable doubt by the State”-
He also said “I shall seek record of his service from the department” Champion Sangma was serving in the Police department as a DSP till he deserted police service to float the militant outfit in 2010.
He also said, “I will give my best to defend him and the State shall also try their best to prove the allegations, the charges filed are non- bailable and very serious charges”.
Asked if he will move for a bail the counsel for Champion said “after studying the case paper if it is found proper I shall move for bail and is entirely at the discretion of the Court”.
He also informed, “Champion Sangma has told me to seek for information’s on the number of cases pending in different police station and under what provisions of law he is being alleged in those cases and also to see if all these cases can be transferred to one place or even out of state to make it easier for me”.
Mentionably, Champion had co-founded the GNLA along with Sohan D Shira, the commander-in-chief of the outfit which is active in three western Garo Hills districts in Meghalaya.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gnla-may-hold-talks-with-govt/
