By Our Special Correspondent
Shillong: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has assured the Meghalaya Government of all possible assistance to root out militancy from the State, informed Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma. Dr Sangma was in Delhi to discuss the ramifications of the GNLA threat with the Home Minister on Tuesday.
The Chief Minister reiterated that his Government is sincere about addressing the root causes of militancy in Meghalaya.
Accompanying Dr Sangma is Meghalaya’s new DGP, N Ramchandran who joined his post on September 29 last.
Speaking to The Shillong Times Dr Mukul Sangma said his Government has listed out several development initiatives which must become visible on the ground. This would not be possible unless the law and order situation is conducive for proper implementation of such initiatives.
“We are aware that there is a perceived lack of opportunities in Meghalaya. Government is trying its best to create opportunities so as to generate hope among the youth. It is important for young people to see hope in the development we undertake. A sense of hopelessness among youth is dangerous for democracy,” Dr Sangma said, adding that militancy cannot be seen as a lucrative option.
“It is my sincere objective and that of the Government to ensure that every part of Meghalaya has complete peace and that militancy is rooted out through multi-pronged efforts. In this the Government of India has assured us of all necessary support,” Dr Sangma informed.
The Chief Minister further stated that any decision on tackling militancy must be well thought out and should not result in turning militancy into a lucrative business.
“We have seen how some outfits have suspended operations but later turned into over-ground armed groups or how breakaway factions create new outfits. We do not want to repeat these failed experiences,” Dr Sangma stated.
He said Meghalaya has to return to the path of peace for all round development. Also present at the meeting was the Secretary, Internal Security, MHA and the Joint Secretary (Home) in charge North East.
Border dispute with Assam discussed
Following the recent resolution adopted by the State Legislative Assembly for constitution of a Border Commission, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma broached the subject with Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Tuesday and sought the assistance of the Centre to facilitate the creation of such a Commission.
“The Border Commission must be mutually acceptable to both states. We have to ensure that Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi is also open to the idea. This is where the Centre’s intervention as an impartial jury is imperative,” Dr Sangma said.