By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The State Government is ready to take all possible measures to neutralise militant groups to ensure that lasting peace prevails in the State.
“We are ready to adopt all kind of methods to neutralise the militant groups for peace to prevail in the State,” Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma said on Thursday while reacting to a query on whether it was right for the police to infiltrate the GNLA ranks.
Asked if this method adopted by the Government amounts to violation of human rights, Dr Sangma said the Government would ensure that strategies adopted are not in violation of human rights”.
“A criminal has to be treated like a criminal and a thug has to be treated like a thug. The Government is clear in its mind on what it is doing,” the Chief Minister retorted while defending the police operation of infiltrating the GNLA ranks.
Dr Sangma further stated that fighting militancy is a complex job, adding that the necessary thing is to ensure that criminals do not take advantage of the situation.
Apparently stung by the exodus of its personnel, the State Police have now allegedly resorted to the maxim – set a thief to catch a thief – by planting its personnel in the GNLA.
This modus operandi of the State Police came to light after Tuesday’s “encounter” when commandos belonging to the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) of the police attacked a GNLA camp inside the dense forests of Bolkinggre, about 4km from Williamnagar, the district headquarters of East Garo Hills.
Four GNLA militants, including the outfit’s self-styled ‘deputy commander-in-chief’ and ‘area commander’ of central command, Roster Marak, were killed while two cadres managed to escape.
However, a twist to the “encounter tale” has emerged whereby the police have been alleged to have planted a mole in the GNLA through an “absconding” Personal Security Officer (PSO) of an NCP legislator representing Kharkutta in East Garo Hills.
Last month, Hubert S. Marak, the PSO, was reported to have “absconded” with a carbine and revolver before “joining” the GNLA. Soon after, a criminal case was also registered against Hubert, who belonged to the East Khasi Hills District Enforcement (DEF) Police.
But now, it appears that Hubert had never intended to be a GNLA cadre but was “used” to penetrate into the outfit.
Hubert is alleged to have passed on vital information to the police eventually leading to the successful SWAT operation on Tuesday midnight.
Incidentally, the Chief Minister refrained from making any direct comment on the State Government’s ‘idea’ of taking the help of the ANVC in its operation against the GNLA.
He, however, said the Government would be grateful if people come forward with any information regarding the movement of the militant group.
“I think it is the duty of each and every citizen to join hands with the Government in this fight against militancy,” he said.
On the security of legislators, Dr Sangma said if there were any requirements based on threat perception the legislators should contact the respective district superintendents of police. “They can also approach the Home Minister or the Chief Minister whenever the situation demands,” Dr Sangma added.