Shillong, February 19: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) candidate from 43 Williamnagar Legislative Assembly constituency of Garo Hills of Meghalaya, Jonathone Nengminza Sangma was killed along with his two body guards. As per reports, suspected militants belonging to Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) on Sunday night killed Sangma in Garo Hills area. The militants triggered an IED blast under Sangma’s Scorpio vehicle. According to a report by The Shillong Times, the militants opened fire on the vehicle at Samanda area while the 43-year old candidate was returning from day’s electioneering from Sobokgre and Nobokgre on Sunday night.

As per reports by NDTV, four bodies were found on the spot, including that of the NCP candidate,” District Magistrate Ramkumar S said. The deputy commissioner’s office of the East Garo Hills District in a press release said preliminary investigation suggested that an Improvised Explosive Device, or IED, was used in the attack. Reports by the Police said that of the four vehicles discovered at the location, Sangma’s was the worst hit.

The deadly incident comes a week ahead of Meghalaya Assembly Elections 2018. People in Meghalaya are slated to go for polls for the 60-member House in the state on February 27. As per PTI reports, Sangma was on his way to Williamnagar, his Assembly constituency, when the convoy came under attack. Condemning his death, Chief Minister Mukul Sangma condoled Jonathone N Sangma’s death. “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,” he tweeted.

It must be noted that the Garo National Liberation Army which is a proscribed militant outfit was campaigning against Jonathone. To recall, the NCP candidate had got death threats and was provided extra security based on the threat perception in the 2013 elections. Vincent Pala, the working president of Meghalaya Congress Unit, and Lok Sabha MP from Shillong 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.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 19, 2018 03:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).