Sangma under EC scanner over CD row 

Shillong, Feb 8: Former Lok Sabha Speaker and NCP's chief ministerial candidate Purno A Sangma has come under the scanner of the state Election Commission for circulating a CD containing photos and video clips of the 2005 firing incidents at Tura and Williamnagar in Meghalaya. 

The CD row surrounding Sangma has come to light following a complaint lodged with the Tura DC-cum-returning officer on the alleged attempt to gain electoral mileage out of the firing incidents. 

The CD titled "Chakat A'chik Me'a Me'chik", which means arise Garo men and women, was supposed to be part of the NCP's election campaign. 

It shows Sangma, the Lok Sabha MP from Tura, speaking on the need to bring about a change for the betterment of Garo Hills as well as Meghalaya. 

While the CD has colourful pictures of his meetings with top leaders of the world, including former US President Bill Clinton, Britain's Queen Elizabeth and the king of Saudi Arabia, it was the raking up of the September-30 issue that has angered the Garo Students Union and family members of those who lost their near and dear ones in the firing. 

Meghalaya Chief Electoral Officer P Naik told PTI that the Election Commission was looking into the matter. "The Tura deputy commissioner has been instructed to furnish a detail report on it," he added. 

The September 30th Victims Solidarity Forum, an organization of the family members and friends of victims of the firing, and Garo Students Union (GSU) have accused NCP and its leader of harping on "cheap publicity stunts" for garnering public support for his party. 

"The statement made in his publication (CD) highlighting his return to state politics, considering the MBoSE issue and leadership crisis in Meghalaya, is a welcome move, but highlighting the September-30 incidents for his political gain has hurt the sentiments of the bereaved families who were never informed about the launch of the CD," the GSU said. 

Sangma, a contestant from Tura seat, is the chief ministerial candidate of the NCP, the single largest opposition party in the state.