Setback for GNLA chief, as MPDA case stands

SHILLONG, JUN 13: Meghalaya High Court Thursday refused to “interfere” into the Meghalaya Prevention Detention Act (MPDA) order issued by the East Garo hills district administration against the jailed chief of the terrorist outfit – Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) Champion R Sangma.

“A division bench of Justice SR Sen today passed a judgment stating that it will not interfere into the MPDA order of the district administration under which Sangma had been booked,” sources said after the hearing.

According to the order, the case is also said to be dismissed since there is no representation submitted to the district magistrate, the source added.

However, the order Thursday came as a blow to the GNLA chief as earlier last month, the high court had set aside the MPDA order issued by the West Garo hills district authority against Champion saying the authority had failed to get the approval of the state government.

The Tura district magistrate issued the order of detention on January 30, 2013 saying that Champion would be release on bail if he wasn’t booked under MPDA as his activities was treacherous against the state.

Meanwhile, sources informed that the GNLA chief would file an appeal to the High Court to challenge the order passed by Justice SR SEN. “The matter is also ready to be taken up to the higher court if required,” the source added.

However, Champion also has pending cases against him with the Pynursla Police Station in East Khasi hills district. His counsel Sujit Dey had earlier stated that the case is still pending before the court and is in the stage of prosecution of witnesses, while informing that of total 20 – 21 witnesses, 7-8 witnesses have been examined.

Notably, the cases under Pynursla in East Khasi hills district were registered under section 16, 18, 38 (1&2) under the Unlawful Prevention Act. Earlier, the court has set aside the case under section 121 for waging war against the nation since there was no sanction from the state government.

The GNLA has been categorized as a terror organization by the Centre in January this year for carrying out outlawed activities like killing, rampant extortion and abduction of businessmen.

Formed in 2010, the GNLA is active in three western Garo Hills districts of Meghalaya and in pockets of West Khasi Hills district.- By Our Reporter