From Our Correspondent
TURA: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has ruled out political talks with the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) saying “the outfit has to lay down arms and join the mainstream”.
The Chief Minister made the State government’s stand clear on the law and order situation when he had an open and candid discussion on a wide array of issues as well as on the flagship programmes of the State with the members of the media at the Tura Circuit House, here on Sunday evening.
The Chief Minister expressed his concern over the acts of crime being perpetrated by the GNLA and made it clear that his Government would not hold any talks with the militant outfit unless they stop their criminal activities.
“It is the responsibility of every Government to ensure that there is sustained peace. The Government will continue it focus on neutralizing the militant organizations”, he said.
He said the acts of the GNLA were nothing short of amassing wealth through the barrel of the gun and their claims of fighting for a separate statehood was only a means of “piggy-riding” on the issue.
“If they truly love their motherland they should stop all unlawful acts like killings, kidnappings and extortions.
“What they are doing today is going to determine the fate of our future generations,” he added.
When asked on whereabouts of GNLA chairman and former Dy SP Champion R Sangma, who is rumoured to be under arrest in Bangladesh, the Chief Minister evaded giving direct answer stating that the matter was raised during P Chidambaram’s visit to Shillong and the Central government is taking up the matter with Dhaka.
