Justifying giving tickets to former Congress legislator Stanlywiss Rymbai from Umroi constituency and former GNLA militant leader Champion Sangma from Songsak constituency, Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee President Vincent H Pala said they are not yet convicted.
While Meghalaya Congress in one of its commitment promised Corruption free Meghalaya the question is raised about the candidature of the former Umroi legislator was once arrested by the CID on the basis of an FIR filed on November 12, 2012 in connection with acquisition of land by the forest department from Umsawkhwan village.
Congress chief Vincent H Pala said, “Until he (Rymbai) is convicted we cannot judge him. We cannot say that he has committed the land grabbing and a crime until the law decides.We should not judge a man just because somebody filed an FIR and all.”
Although, Pala admitted around 36 cases are registered against Champion, in most of the cases he got bail.
He said with regards to the party candidate from Songsak Champion Sangma, who is a former GNLA leader, there are around 35-36 cases pending against him and he has got bail in almost all of them.
“I had discussed it with his lawyer and with him also. Until he is convicted, we have no right to deny if he wants to contest.”
Pala said that the party will not give tickets if candidates have been convicted by the court.
“Once the court gives a verdict then only we can take a decision. Only if they are convicted then we don’t give. We have not given tickets to any convicted candidates,” he said.
The reign of terror by Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) which shook Garo Hills few years back is well known.
Champion R. Sangma, Chairman of a dreadful terrorist organization called “Garo National Liberation Army” (GNLA) has choosed to be in electoral fray.
“Banteidor Lyngdoh was in HNLC, Julius Dorphang was in HNLC so many others, this not the party to judge as it is lying in the court of law,” Pala added.