From CK Nayak
New Delhi: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram, who had threatened tough action against the Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) during his recent visit to Meghalaya, on Wednesday, admitted that they are a ‘tough nut to crack’.
“Their cadres are a determined lot,” Chidamabaram said, adding, “But now the Meghalaya Government is also equally determined to bring them under control.”
During his one-day visit to Meghalaya on February 19, Chidambaram had chaired a law and order meeting with Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma and government and police officials on issues related to security scenario in Garo Hills.
Later, talking to reporters, the Union home Minister had made it clear that there was no question of holding talks with the GNLA since the Centre had declared it as a terrorist outfit in January.
The GNLA, formed in 2010 by a former Deputy Superintendent of Police, Champion Sangma, has unleashed a reign of terror in the three districts of Garo Hills and also the adjoining West Khasi Hills. Besides kidnapping people, including government officials and killing police personnel, the GNLA is also engaged in rampant extortion in the region.