GNLA cautions against ANVC demand for arms
From Our Correspondent
Shillong: The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) has said the recent demand of the ANVC for arms from the government is a serious matter warning that such a step could lead to a civil war within the Garo Hills and accused ANVC spokesperson of ‘stoking the flames of hatred’ with wild accusations.
The “chairman” of GNLA and former DSP of Meghalaya Police, Champion R Sangma aka Pakchara, called up The Shillong Times office to denounce the recent statement of ANVC spokesperson Torik Jangning Marak for demanding arms from the government.
The GNLA leader said such a decision would tantamount to a state arming rebels who broke the country’s law.
“The demand contravenes the ground rules laid by the government for the ANVC and it stems from concern and insecurity of their business prospects being jeopardised. We are all aware of the outfit running a monopoly of the Garo Hills markets imposing illegal taxes leading to escalation of prices. Why is Meghalaya Government keeping silent to the extortion of its people?” asked Champion Sangma.
He refused to accept the accusation of being a stooge at the hands of foreign powers, particularly Pakistan’s ISI spy agency.
“ANVC and police say we are anti-India but our demand is for a separate state for the Garos within the ambit of the Indian Constitution. Unlike the ANVC which use to call bandhs during Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations, we do not,” he said and claimed that India’s national anthem and Vande Mataram continues to be sung at the outfit’s camps during daily roll call.
In his telephonic conversation with the media, the GNLA chief was spiteful in his criticism on ANVC spokesperson Torik Jangning Marak for his repeated statements against the outfit.
“From his remarks it appears he is the attorney, judge and jury of the case. He was never in the ANVC during its military days and plunged into the organiszation only after the ceasefire was declared to pursue business. We don’t take such characters seriously,” he sarcastically stated.