Militants are regrouping in Garo Hills: Mukul Sangma

By Daiaphira Kharsati

SHILLONG: 

The leader of the opposition, Mukul Sangma, has come out strongly against the ruling government over the issue of re-grouping of militants in Garo Hills, stating that the current Conrad Sangma-led NPP government has failed to address the issue of militancy in the Garo Hills.

Accusing the current government of poor governance and not taking note of the militancy problems ravaging the Garo Hills, he stated that the Conrad Sangma-led government has failed in its mission to restore peace in the region.

Mukul raised concern that the regrouping of militants is certain as even surrendered militants are again pushed into taking up arms, which he claimed was not the case during the previous Congress regime.

“Do you think I am saying things without substantial proof... I have run the state for a long time and have restored peace. I don’t only depend on the police. We all have to work together as a team, ” he said.

He further argued that surrendered militants should be counselled and given ample support and motivation so that they join the mainstream, which the current government has failed to understand.

“If the youth is joining any militant organisation or an insurgent outfit, don’t you think there are some triggering factors… something that is acting as a catalyst to make them fall prey into such a situation,” he added as he went on to raise questions on the law and order situation in areas affected by militancy.

Hailing the Congress government for its effort in working towards a solution for the insurgency issue, Mukul maintained that the youth were counseled and trained during his tenure, which is not the case with the current government.

Mukul also questioned the ruling government on how United Liberation Front of Assam – Independent (ULFA-I) chief, Drishti Rajkhowa recently surrendered in South Garo Hills.

“How can Dristi Rajkhowa come out without arms? Does he move around without arms? Why did the state police not ask that? " asked the former Chief Minister.

Alerting the government on the recent blast in East Jaintia Hills for which the banned HNLC claimed responsibility, Mukul said that the government must ensure that such activities are not repeated. "The government must utilise the State Security Commission for such purposes and put in place an efficient system to track every move of militant outfits," Mukul maintained.

Underlining serious concerns about internal security in the state, he concluded that peace restored by the Congress-led government should have been sustained through peaceful talks and meetings with these outfits.

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