GNLA diverts threat from public towards Govt offices
From Our Correspondent
TURA: The Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) has issued a strong clarification to its own statement on the threat of serial blasts at public places in the state claiming that the organisation’s announcement of taking on the establishment was ‘misinterpreted’ by the media.
The top leaders of the militant outfit have come out with an announcement stating that their organisation does not intend to conduct any explosion that will harm the general public of the state.
The ‘chairman’ of the GNLA and former Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Champion R Sangma called up The Shillong Times office to clarify his organisation’s stand in regards to the serial blasts.
“Neither Sohan, nor myself or any leader of our group has any intention to harm our people. The statement issued by one of our representatives to the media was meant to indicate our capability of simultaneous attacks on government establishments at various parts of Meghalaya. At no time did we intend to harm the civilian population. We were misquoted,” said Champion Sangma.
The militant leader claimed that his outfit’s intention is not there but if pushed to the wall wouldn’t hesitate to prove their capability.
The announcement of disarming its threat to civilians is expected to give much added relief for the general public who were beginning to show signs of concern.
However, the militant group has now diverted its attention towards government institutions and security forces warning that its target will be on the two important foundations of the state.
“If need be, we will prove our potential on government institutions and security establishments — not on public places,” warned Champion Sangma.
Ministers/MLAs on GNLA radar: Meanwhile, the GNLA has focused its target on the politicians of the state in its fight for a separate Garoland state. The outfit announced that all politicians including ministers and MLAs would henceforth be barred from using red beacon (VIP) lights atop their vehicles once they enter the Garo Hills.
“Politicians of all colors, be it ministers or MLAs will no longer be allowed to enter Garo Hills with their VIP lights. They don’t deserve that privilege,” remarked the GNLA ‘chairman’.
The outfit has, at the same time, not opposed the use of the red beacon atop vehicles used by government officials such as Deputy Commissioners and Magistrates while performing their duties.
Giving an indication about the outfit’s intention vis-à-vis security forces, the GNLA leader has asked the general public to desist from using white colored maruti gypsies for travel. A sizeable number of civilians use such vehicles that are similar in style and color with those utilised by police and other security forces in the State.
Home Minister in line of militant fire: Home Minister HDR Lyngdoh has come under severe criticism from the GNLA for his alleged remarks about the outfit demanding a separate country. The Garo militant group has come out with a communiqué clarifying that its demand is for a separate Garoland state within the constitution of India and sees no reason to break away from the country.
“We want our very own Garo state with our democratically elected Chief Minister and a Governor appointed by New Delhi. Not once have we demanded Sovereignty which the Home Minister has been using as bait to trap us. Perhaps he does not understand the political terminology between a separate state and sovereignty,” snidely remarked GNLA chief Champion Sangma.
The GNLA has also announced the appointment of a ‘political secretary’ to work out the nitty-gritty details of its political demands. According to the organisation one Bikdot Nikjang Marak, presumably a false name to hide the person’s identity, has been made the ‘political secretary’.