GNLA to support Congress during election

Shillong, Sept 20: Even as the arrested GNLA chairman Champion R Sangma refused to divulge whether he will contest the coming Meghalaya state assembly as an independent or join political party, he was, however, candid in revealing that he has directed the GNLA to support the Congress party except in two constituencies.

Speaking to reporters outside the court Thursday, Sangma, however, refused to divulge the name of the two constituencies that the GNLA will not be supporting the Congress giving a clear indication that the banned outfit is contemplating to contest in these two seats in Garo hills. He said, “Even before the commencement of the election process, I have made an appeal to my boys to support the Congress in 2013 assembly election and not to create any problems.”

Sangma said, “Whether I am in or out of jail, I am going to contest the coming assembly election.”

Thursday Sangma was produce before the first class magistrate, but the court could not take up his case as the court staff didn’t turn up for work due to Bharat bandh. Sangma also revealed to reporters that the GNLA is willing to enter into a dialogue, but the government is silent on this issue.

Sangma’s lawyer Sujit Dey said that the court has passed an order to produce his client on September 25.   Charge sheets against Sangma have been filed by the police in the court and there will be a preliminary hearing on the charges said the advocate. According to his lawyer when his client was arrested on July 30 the sections which was leveled against him was 120 (a), 120 (b), 121 (a) IPC/ 16, 18, 38, 1 & 2 of UAP Act 1967 and Section 12 of IP Act. He, however, informed that some of the charges which was level against of him when police filed the FIR has been dropped.

According to Dey his client is charged only on Section 121 (a)  IPC/ 16, 18, 38, 1 & 2 of UAP (Unlawful Activities Prevention) Act 1967 but   Section 12 of the Indian Passport Act has been dropped.  Elaborating on the UAP act 1967, he said his client has been said to be a member of the GNLA outfit and section 121 (b) says he waged war against the nation.

Dey also told reporter that his client told him of his decision of contesting elections and added, “Yes he can contest in the elections… as he is not the only accused who is planning to contest…there are hundreds who have contest in the elections… and they are members of assembly and parliament,” He said his client is just an accused and not yet convicted.- By Our Reporter