We will not allow Meghalaya to become a haven for militant outfits: Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui

SHILLONG

The Meghalaya police with the help of security forces are on constant vigil to ensure that the state does not become a haven for militant outfits to carry out “nefarious” and anti-national activities, Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said on Wednesday.

Rymbui made this statement weeks after an encounter took place between the state police and the United Axom Liberation Army—Independent (ULFA–I) in South Garo Hills (SGH) on Oct 20 where militants managed to flee the scene after jumping over a deep ravine.

The elusive Drishti Rajkhowa, the head of ULFA (I), was also present during the encounter but managed to escape along with the rest of his group.

“Yes, an encounter took place, but the criminals, whoever they may be, could not be nabbed. The state police along with the BSF are very vigilant,” Rymbui said.

The Home Minister reiterated that there is no problem of law and order in the state as of now.

“The government will make sure that criminals do not carry out anti-national activities from the state,” he added.

Recently, a senior police official informed that ULFA (I) cadres are mostly based in Bangladesh but come to India sometimes.

“A search is currently on for them,” the official said.

In the past, the thick jungles of South Garo Hills served as safe hide-outs for the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA), who, according to police officials, carried out nefarious activities in the region with the help of the ULFA.

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