Friday, March 29, 2024
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NGO- militant- politician nexus

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Editor,

The Intelligence Bureau report on foreign funding of NGOs should not be dismissed without deeper research and understanding of underlying issues. Why do we act shocked at the possibility? This is standard operating protocol for intelligence agencies around the world who want to meddle in the internal affairs of other countries. Sometimes it is used to push economic goals by influencing policy via protests. Other times, it is used for a far more deadly purpose – destabilization through rebellion.

In the context of Meghalaya, there has been plenty of conjecture about funds flowing into NGO coffers. Through your columns, citizens have questioned the sources of funds of political pressure groups operating under the guise of NGOs like KSU, FKJGP, CSWO and others. The NGOs are quiet about this issue. But rumours are circulating about a foreign hand channelling funds to them with the help of some Indian NGOs and local politicians. This rumour is not entirely beyond the realms of possibility. Given the fact that local NGOs are devoid of sound ideology and driven entirely by economic considerations, they can be easily exploited by foreign agencies. Local NGO connections with militant groups have been confirmed by Indian intelligence agencies. This makes NGOs a juicy target for foreign powers. One can draw inferences from the way certain issues are selectively exploited and sentiment whipped up to destabilize local government or cause communal disharmony in a strategic manner for prolonged periods. Such issues are suddenly put into cold storage without explanation or outcome.

The double dealing manner in which state governments have engaged with NGOs/ armed groups is to be blamed for fomenting large scale militancy and organized crime in the state. When governments are desperately eager to pay “hush money” or “surrender package” to criminals and terrorists, it should be expected that more and more people will queue up to join these organizations. Governments have come and gone, but the policy of paying off criminals has remained the same. Chief Minister Mukul Sangma is now on the verge of formulating another “surrender package” for the murderers in Garo Hills. He justifies this typical weak-kneed reaction with the statement that the problem of militancy is of a social nature and complex. His actions are sure to provide fresh hope and new lease of life to all blackmailers, extortionists, rapists and murderers in the state. No doubt it will give birth to new ones in this crime-induced atmosphere where government rewards one for being a murderous scumbag! I wonder – why is it that government policy always leaves me with the impression that the honest must pay for the deeds of criminals, always? “Surrendered” murderers and blackmailers are rewarded with money and perks like guns, PSOs, government contracts, jobs and public office. This is the price citizens are forced to pay for that elusive peace by their own government. This cycle has been repeated endlessly in Meghalaya. But lessons learnt are conveniently shelved for the sake of short-term political gains. The twin issues of NGO funding and politician-militant nexus have a common thread running through them. The state government’s role is as much under a cloud as that of NGOs and militants. Several ministers and MLAs stand accused of using ideology-starved militant outfits and NGOs for political and personal gain. The convoluted mess cannot be tackled at state government level due to the deep rot; of that much it is certain. The matter needs to be handled directly by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and/or central agencies.

Yours etc.,

Robert L. Rumnong,

Via email

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