GNLA chief hospitalised after attack inside jail

SHILLONG, JUNE 26: Detained GNLA chairman Champion R Sangma and four other Under Trails Prisoners (UTP) were badly injured inside the Shillong District Jail early on Wednesday morning after they attacked the militant leader.

The incident took place at around 8.15 am in the overcrowded jail when a clash broke between Champion and the four UTPs. In the violent chaos the GNLA leader and his attackers sustained injuries and were immediately rushed to the Shillong Civil hospital.

The four UTPs have been identified as Sankyntiew Decruise (who had escaped with Fullmoon during the infamous Shillong jailbreak incident), Milstone G Momin, Polab D Sangma and Suresh M Sangma. All the four have been discharged after first aid treatment but Champion was admitted in the hospital.

Director General (Prison) Kulbir  Kishan while confirming the report said that Sankyntiew is behind the attack on Champion. He said the attack had taken place inside the high security ward outside Champion’s cell.

Kulbir said that Sankyntiew is a notorious UTP and department had punished him many time earlier  He alsosaid allowing other inmates to get access to high security ward is against the rules and action will be taken  on the lapses as soon as the inquiry report is submitted.  He has also expressed concern on the congestion in the jail.

Kishan said the incident broke out in the morning inside the high security cell where the GNLA leader was lodged. Interestingly, it remains an enigma as to how the other UTPs got access to the high security cell where the militant leader is lodged.

Kishan said that Sangma, who was detained under the Meghalaya Prevention Detention Act (MPDA) for deserting the state police and heading the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), was attacked by a group of fellow inmates.

Kishan could not immediately give as to why the violent clash broke out inside the prison and why the GNLA leader was attacked.

Kishan has order a probe into incident and the reason for outbreak of violence.  He said, “I have ordered an enquiry to probe into the lapses in the jail premises and how other inmates got access into the high security area where the militant leader was lodged.” He assured he would get into the bottom of the incident.- By Our Reporter