By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The ten-day deadline set by the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) has expired but the State Government is equivocal about whether operations against the militant outfit will continue or be withdrawn as per the demands set by it for release of the abducted MCS officer, PK Boro.
Talking to media persons after the second meeting of the State Security Commission, Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma refrained from giving any straight answer but categorically stated that the Government is not in two minds on its engagement of neutralizing the militant outfit.
“We will ensure that we achieve the goal of lasting peace in our state,” Dr Sangma added.
Reacting to a query on the arrest of GNLA chief Champion Sangma in Bangladesh, the Chief Minister said, “there is no official confirmation from the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the arrest of the GNLA chairman”.
It may be mentioned that the GNLA had issued a ten-day deadline to the State Government to withdraw the security forces who are currently involved in operations against the GNLA.
The deadline expired December 1 last.
The militant outfit had abducted two traders and the BDO of Dadenggre, PK Boro, while the two traders had been released but there is no information whatsoever on the whereabouts of Boro.
Pointing out that the security agencies are doing whatever they can for the safe release of the BDO, the Chief Minister also stated that the SPs and DCs had been directed to provide security to officers.
“All officers who are provided security are expected to follow the directives,” the Chief Minister added.
Meanwhile, the meeting of the State Security Commission on Monday discussed various issues pertaining to traffic management, strengthening and upgradation of police outposts and the law and order situation in Garo Hills.
After the meeting Dr Sangma briefed the media on the core issues discussed by the Committee such as the need to enforce certain provisions of MVI act more stringently so that traffic jams can be reduced in the city.
The Committee also identified areas where police stations need to come up and police outposts which have to be upgraded.
Earlier, the Opposition NCP mooted the idea that while operations against the GNLA must continue the Government should also open other channels to bring back peace in the state.
“At the end the objective is to bring peace and GNLA is recruiting at will because so many people are jobless,” Conrad Sangma added while talking to media persons here on Monday.
According to Conrad Sangma, it is necessary for the State Government to call the GNLA for talks as at the end it is the local people who are victims of insurgency.
“We are not GNLA sympathizers but we are concerned because Garos are dying on both sides,” Sangma added.
ANVC reacts to GNLA charge: A day after the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) accused the Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) of killing and terrorizing people, the latter has reiterated its desire to work with the State Government to neutralize the outfit headed by Champion R Sangma.
In a statement issued here on Monday, ANVC spokesperson Torik Jangning Marak said, “If needed ANVC will work with the Government to wipe out GNLA.”
According to Marak, the recent allegation of GNLA was a desperate attempt to derail the peace process and the Government should not pay any heed to such baseless allegations.
“GNLA should stop taking on ANVC,” Marak said.