Shillong, Sept 6: In first reaction following an attack that was made on Meghalaya Governor Satya Pal Malik’s convoy on August 17, 2021 the Governor has stated that it was unnecessary and shouldn’t have happened.
Speaking to a group of media persons on Monday, Malik said it was not at all required. “And I am not in their list to be attacked and I was not in the convoy. The right people to answer about the attack on my convoy would be the people who attacked it,” he said.
Asked if the state government was unable to deal with the situation in the state and if a President’s Rule should be in place, Malik said as far as law and order is concerned it is ‘perfect’ in Meghalaya.
“Time and again some eruptions take place and that happens in all states, and here there is nothing which can be termed as breakdown of law and order,” he remarked.
Peace talks with HNLC
Concerning the killing of late Cherishterfield Thangkhiew, a former leader of militant outfit HNLC, which led to the law and order situation in the state, Malik said, “I can’t initiate peace talks (with HNLC) until and unless they lay down their arms and if they pledge their commitment to the Indian Constitution.”
The Governor also supported the Chief Minister’s statement that the state government is willing to hold talks with HNLC but with no conditions and should be within the ambit of the Constitution of India.
Guv backs judicial probe
Meanwhile, the Governor refused to make any comments on the killing of ex-HNLC member but cited that it was unfortunate and shouldn’t have happened.
“The judicial probe is the only way to find out what is what and who is at fault,” he said.
Asked if he would agree that it was a violation of human rights, Malik said “Yes, if it is proved in the inquiry that this was excessive use of force and unnecessary use of force then it is violation, otherwise it is not.”
He added that he couldn’t comment further on this issue since it will spoil the inquiry. A report will come out and government will immediately act on it, he said.
