Meghalaya CM takes up with Centre over arrest of priest

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 16, 2020

Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma has sought the intervention of the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah into the recent arrest of an 83-year-old Jesuit priest by the National Investigation Agency, which alleged him of being a terrorist.

“The CM has taken up this issue with the union home minister and he also had a detailed discussion with the union home secretary,” Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong told reporters after a review meeting held on Friday.

He said that the CM has expressed concern over the arrest of the priest and requested the need to ensure that justice is given to him.

Father Stan Swamy, also known as a tribal rights activist was arrested by the National Investigation Agency on October 8. He is presently lodged at the Mumbai jail.

BJP legislator, Sanbor Shullai had recently written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention for the release of Jesuit Father Stan Swamy.

“The arrest of Father Stan Swamy, who has dedicated his life with a mission to uplift the tribals of Jharkhand, has triggered insecurity among the minority Christian community not only across the state but throughout the country,” Shullai’s letter stated, adding that the NIA move was “highly questionable and condemnable.”

The legislator said that Swamy’s contribution in the past should also not be overlooked.