ANVC-B cadres

Shillong, Dec. 20: A section of the breakaway faction of the ANVC today indicated that it would walk out of the “peace pact” which the group had entered into in January this year, following the “unwarranted arrest” of its cadres.

A statement issued by Rangdo R. Marak, the outfit’s joint secretary, said the ANVC (B) had a meeting recently to discuss the “unwarranted arrest” of its cadres by police while they were visiting their families.

“ANVC (B) leaders Akimbri, Doang, Ajaju, Nado and others met to discuss and inquire why the government was applying a faulty policy on the outfit’s cadres when they are moving without any ill intention and not carrying weapons,” Marak said.

He said the group felt that there was “a plan by our leaders to make us desperate and push us back to the jungle”.

“If the government wants to hunt us, then why did the chief minister invite us for the peace pact, which was signed by our chairman on January 5? The chairman is close to chief minister Mukul Sangma and his silence on these issues is a sign of submissive weakness,” Marak added.

He also said the ANVC (B) would write and seek a response from the government before January 5, 2014, as to who authorised the hunt, and why unwarranted arrests were taking place, and other issues concerning the organisation.

“Failing which, we will decide whether or not to follow the agreement signed by our chairman,” Marak added.

The ANVC (B), which is led by Rimpu Marak, had participated in the tripartite dialogue between the ANVC, state government and the Centre, which was held here on January 5 this year.

In that meeting, the agreed text for settlement with the ANVC and its breakaway faction was finalised, and the same had received the state government’s nod. However, the Centre was yet to approve it.

Murderer gets life

The court of the sessions judge, Shillong, today convicted Tenderlywell Hynniewta to life imprisonment for murdering Corphilia Nongkynrih, 20, on September 6, 2002.

The court also asked Hynniewta to pay Rs 20,000 as fine failing which he will have to undergo an additional one-year imprisonment in case of default.

In another case, the court convicted Tek Bahadur Pun to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment for murdering his friend Bhim Thapa.

The incident occurred on March 27, 2012 when Pun had an altercation with Thapa and in the process stabbed him.