By Our Special Correspondent
London: Meghalaya Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma addressed an international meet on security issues organised by UK based, Security Watch-UK in London on Tuesday. Dr Sangma spoke on India’s Internal Security Challenges with special reference to North East India.
The theme of this meet is Securing Asia 2012 – The Asian Homeland Security and Counter Terrorism Summit. In his speech, Dr Sangma said that in a plural society like India conflicts between groups and identities are bound to happen.
“Democratic institutions are expected to harmonise these conflicts in a peaceful manner within the framework of the rule of law,” Dr Sangma said.
The Meghalaya Chief Minister also pointed out that the process of economic development is seriously hampered in areas affected by insurgency and militancy as development funds are siphoned off by militants through extortion and intimidation.
Stating that the need of the hour is to strengthen the intelligence operating machinery at the State level through modern technology, Dr Sangma emphasised that technology is imperative for effective law enforcement, coupled with skill upgradation of the police force.
“Security also includes information security to reduce the impact of security breaches,” Dr Sangma said adding that weaponry, communication equipment, vehicles etc should be suitably calibrated to meet the local conditions of North East India.
The Conference organised at Queen Victoria Conference Hall, Central London was also attended by eminent personalities like Jack Straw, former Secretary Home, UK and Dr Maleeha Lodhi, former Pakistan ambassador to the US.
G Parthasarathy, former Indian Ambassador to Pakistan, spoke on India’s experience in dealing with terrorism. Maj Gen. Ashok Mehta also shared his experiences in battling insurgencies in different theatres in India.
Others who attended the conference include Meghalaya Home Secretary Jopthiaw Lyngdoh, DGP N Ramachandran and IGP GHP Raju.