Killing of civilians in Garo Hills: Army yet to complete probe

FROM OUR STAFF CORRESPONDENT

SHILLONG, Jan 6: The Indian Army has not completed its inquiry into the killings of two innocent civilians of a village in North Garo Hills on November 25 last, even as the entire top brasses of the army command assured that the inquiry will be completed at the earliest.

Two innocent civilians were killed in between Kharkutta and Khilor by spraying bullets from the interception team of the Gurkha regiment. The two civilians turned were identified as Alphuis Momin, a 35-year-old school teacher, and 30-year-old Sweetbirth D. Marak, both residents of Rajasimla in North Garo Hills.

However, soon after the incident, the army immediately realized its error and ordered an inquiry into the incident. Even a press release was issued from Guwahati that it was a case of mistaken identity. Interestingly, not a word has been made known on the progress of the inquiry headed by a full fledged colonel. Asked on this, defence PRO based in Guwahati Lt Colonel Sunil Newton said, “The inquiry is still on and all the terms of references has to be adhered before submission of the report”.

It may be mentioned that, the late representation of facts by the army has made people ponder on their honesty in the North Garo Hills region.