Shillong, Aug 5 NNN: There is a possibility that the chairman of Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) supremo Champion R Sangma would propose a \u201cpro-talk\u201d with the state government.
\nIt can be noted that on July 30 last, Champion Sangma, the police officer-turned-militant, was arrested by the state police along the International Indo-Bangladesh border, hours after he was pushed by Bangladesh security forces. Soon after his arrest, Champion was remanded to 15 days police custody by the judicial court.
\n\u201cChampion has asked me to also discuss with him thoroughly about the possibilities of a pro-talk\u201d, Champion\u2019s official lawyer Sujit Dey told a group of reporters in Shillong.
\nYesterday, Sujit Dey who has been appointed by the family of Champion as his official lawyer has visited him (Champion) and had a one hour talk with the chief of GNLA.Further asked on the \u2018pro talk\u2019, Dey said, \u201cThere is possibility for negotiation with the State\u201d.
\nThis assume significance in light of the fact that the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) fighting for a separate Garo land has under taken to arm struggle and is still considered active in the Garo hills region while, its Commander \u2013in \u2013Chief (C-in-C) Sohan Shira is still at large and is involved in a reign of terror is Garo hills region of the State.
\nWhile, the State as well as the Central government has always maintained that possibility of any negotiation with GNLA is ruled out until they give up arms.
\nDey also refuted media reports in a section of news paper \u201cthat Champion is treated like a king\u201d- this is totally false- the advocate said. \u201cI met him he is looking healthy and he has been given the facilities by the detaining authority as per the Constitution”.
\nHe informed that a case no 25(7) 2012 u\/s 120, 120(B) 120 (A) 121 IPC r\/w section 16.38 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act has been registered at Pynursla P S on August 3, 2012.
\nAsked what would be his course of action, the advocate said \u201ctomorrow I shall apply for a certified copy from Additional Deputy Commissioner (judicial) after getting permission from Court and on receiving the papers I shall be in a better position to understand the merit of allegation as leveled against him\u201d adding \u201cno one is a criminal until proven beyond reasonable doubt by the State\u201d-
\nHe also said \u201cI shall seek record of his service from the department\u201d Champion Sangma was serving in the Police department as a DSP till he deserted police service to float the militant outfit in 2010.
\nHe also said, \u201cI will give my best to defend him and the State shall also try their best to prove the allegations, the charges filed are non- bailable and very serious charges\u201d.
\nAsked if he will move for a bail the counsel for Champion said \u201cafter studying the case paper if it is found proper I shall move for bail and is entirely at the discretion of the Court\u201d.
\nHe also informed, \u201cChampion Sangma has told me to seek for information\u2019s on the number of cases pending in different police station and under what provisions of law he is being alleged in those cases and also to see if all these cases can be transferred to one place or even out of state to make it easier for me\u201d.
\nMentionably, Champion had co-founded the GNLA along with Sohan D Shira, the commander-in-chief of the outfit which is active in three western Garo Hills districts in Meghalaya.<\/p>\n\n