Centre asks Meghalaya government to nab militants who raped and killed woman

Taking strong exception to the killing of a woman who resisted attempt to rape by militants in Meghalaya, the Centre on Wednesday sought a report from the state government and asked it to punish those involved in the crime.

"I have spoken to the Chief Minister and have asked to identify the culprits and ensure that strict punishment is given to them," Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju told reporters in New Delhi. He said PA Sangma-led National People's Party has submitted a memorandum to him alleging that the law and order machinery in Meghalaya has completely failed and the central government should intervene. "We are looking into it," he said.

The Home Ministry has also sought a report from the state government about the incident in which the woman was killed by militants of the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA).

The 35-year-old tribal Garo woman's head was blown to pieces when she resisted an alleged molestation and rape attempt in South Garo Hills district. She was at home with her husband and five children when four to five armed militants of GNLA entered their house around 6 PM on Tuesday. They locked up her husband and five children inside the house and pulled out the woman, police said.

She was first assaulted and molested. When she resisted, they shot her with automatic assault rifles from point blank range blowing her head in almost two pieces.