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Journalism of Courage
Just over a week before the Assembly elections, the NCP candidate for the Williamnagar constituency in Meghalaya’s East Garo Hills district was feared killed in an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast at Samanda late on Sunday evening.
Chief Minister Mukul Sangma announced the death of Jonathone Nengminza Sangma (43) on Twitter. But state DGP S B Singh told The Indian Express there was no confirmation that the candidate had died.
“Yes, there has been a blast near Williamnagar. But we have no confirmation of the death of any candidate so far,” DGP Singh said over the phone at 11 pm.
At 10.27 pm, however, Chief Minister Sangma tweeted, “Deeply saddened to hear about the unexpected loss of Jonathone N Sangma. My heartfelt condolences to his near and dear ones. The blood of innocents spilled by the enemies of the state will not disturb peace in Meghalaya.”
A minute later, Sangma posted, “This desperate act will not be tolerated. The perpetrators of the crime will be apprehended expeditiously and brought to book.”
Local media had earlier reported that an unidentified group had put up posters at several places in Williamnagar constituency threatening to kill anyone who supported or voted for Jonathone N Sangma. The nine candidates at the seat include sitting Congress MLA and minister Deborah C Marak, and four Independents. Voting is on February 27.
