Meghalaya govt orders probe into killing of five militants

Shillong, Nov 2 (UNI) The Meghalaya government has ordered a magisterial probe into the killing of five ultras on Tuesday night in an encounter, even as the Meghalaya People's Human Rights Council decided to take up the matter with National Human Rights Council.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills district, Tableland Lyngwa has been appointed to probe into the killing of five activists belonging to the banned Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC), East Khasi Hills District Deputy Commissioner B Dhar told UNI here today.

Mr Lyngwa has issued a public notice calling for statements from the public within November 15.

The government decision came in the wake of social organisations claiming that the militants were killed in a 'fake encounter' and not as claimed by the state police.

On Tuesday night, five ultras of whom two has been identified as 'symphatisers' of the tribal Khasi militant outfit, were gunned down by Special Operation Team, after the militants opened indiscriminate fire towards the police.

Two police personnel - Sub Inspector Kamal Thapa and constable Cronen Marak -were injured in the gun battle.

The police seized one AK-47 rifle, three magazines, one modified DBBL gun and two modified SBBL guns, one Chinese-made hand grenade and ammunition of several kinds from the militants' vehicle.

Maintaining that all the five were killed in the encounter, East Khasi Hills District Superintendent of Police A R Mawthoh said ''the encounter took place only after the militant fired at our men, which forced us to retaliate in self-defence.'' Mr Mawthoh also informed that the police have confirmed - Saphir Hashah, Korbar and Wanpynshai Rynjah - killed in the encounter where hardcore HNLC militants, while Maycomemore Rynthathiang and Manbha Rynjah were known 'HNLC's symphatisers'.

UNI