‘Pressure on GNLA effected release of engineers’
By Our Reporter
Shillong: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has placed on record his gratitude to all civil society organisations from the State for putting pressure on the GNLA to release the two MeECL engineers unharmed.
“We have seen for ourselves the synergy when civil society come together for a common cause and we must build on this positive energy,” Dr Sangma told this scribe.
Dr Sangma said there were many areas of convergence between the civil society and the government and there is no reason why the two forces cannot work towards the common good in other areas of governance.
He said what happened recently (people making peaceful protests) goes to show the power of civil society in building public opinion on a very important issue and even militant groups had to yield to this public appeal.
“As the team leader of the Government I wish to thank all the NGOs and individuals who joined hands to seek the release of the two engineers who were abducted on January 24,” Dr Sangma said. According to the Chief Minister, the release of the two engineers is reflective of the power of the people to prevail over any adverse situation.
“Our security forces have done a great job and will continue to do so and with the support of all conscientious citizens the government is confident that such acts of terror and crimes will be contained effectively,” Sangma added.
The Chief Minister also stated that this should be a strong message to all to desist from perpetrating violence and other criminal activities.
It may be mentioned that the two MeECL engineers — Apus Pothmi and Bonnieface Majaw — were released by the GNLA militants on Saturday last after eleven days in captivity.