NCP candidate Jonathone Sangma, 3 others killed in IED blast in Meghalaya, terrorists suspected

Four people, including the National Congress Party (NCP) candidate Jonathone N Sangma, have been killed in an IED blast in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills on late Sunday night.

The dead includes Sangma, his two bodyguards, and a supporter, were returning to Williamnagar, the district headquarters of East Garo Hills, after an election campaign in Sawilgre village, officials claimed.

District Magistrate Ramkumar S, said, “Four bodies were found on the spot, including that of NCP candidate.”

Meghalaya Chief Minister Mukul Sangma took to Twitter to share his condolences. He tweeted, “Deeply saddened to hear about the unexpected loss of Jonathone Sangma. My heartfelt condolences to his near and dear ones. The blood of innocent spilled by the enemies of the state will not disturb peace in Meghalaya.”

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 the peace in Meghalaya.

— Mukul Sangma (@mukulsangma) February 18, 2018

He also assured that the perpetrators will be brought into light and apprehended.

This desperate act will not be tolerated. The perpetrators of the crime will be apprehended expeditiously and brought to book.

— Mukul Sangma (@mukulsangma) February 18, 2018

Vincent Pala, the working president of Meghalaya Congress Unit, and Member of Parliament (MP) representing Shillong in Lok Sabha, said, “We strongly condemn the incident and we stand by Jonathone's family at this moment. These incidents shouldn't take place in a state like Meghalaya.”

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The Meghalaya Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), in a serious concern, said, “Our thoughts are with the near and dear ones of NCP candidate Shri Jonathone N Sangma and those traveling with him. The news comes as a serious concern on the eve of elections.”

Terrorists are suspected to be behind planting the IED explosive device which killed Sangma and his associates.

Jonathone Sangma had received death threats during elections in 2013 and was given extra security based on the threat perception, said a police officer.

The Meghalaya Assembly elections, for the 60-member House in the state, are scheduled to be held on February 27.