P.A. Sangma seeks Modi's intervention in Meghalaya custodial deaths

National People's Party (NPP) supremo Purno Agitok Sangma Saturday shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention in the twin custodial death in Meghalaya.

Sangma, who is the lone NPP member in the Lok Sabha, has also asked National Human Rights Commission chairman K.G. Balakrishnan to institute an inquiry into the twin custodial death.

In his letter to Modi, the former Lok Sabha speaker highlighted the prevailing law and order situation and the violation of human rights in Garo Hills districts in western part of Meghalaya.

He also asked Modi to instruct the relevant authorities to take necessary and appropriate action in the twin custodial death.

There were two custodial deaths in Garo Hills this month.

Witson Sangma, arrested on charges of supplying explosives to the outlawed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), was found dead in police lockup of Chokpot police station Wednesday, while Balsan Marak, accused of illegally confining, kidnapping and torturing 12 women, died at the Tura Civil Hospital May 20.

Civil society groups, including the Garo Student's Union have announced a non-cooperation movement June 2 in the five districts of Garo Hills over the custodial deaths.

Meanwhile, curfew was on Saturday relaxed for eight hours at Chokpot block in South Garo Hills district, two days after it was imposed following mob violence over the death of Witson Sangma, officials said.