By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has hinted that the State Government is willing to hold talks with proscribed Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) that has unleashed a reign of terror in Garo Hills over the past few years.
Talking to media persons here recently, Dr Sangma said, “We have to continue necessary measures to neutralise militant outfits but at the same time, doors for achieving sustained peace cannot be closed.”
The statement came from the Chief Minister a few days after GNLA C-in-C Sohan D Shira had aired the outfit’s desire to hold discussion with the Central Government over its long pending demands which includes creation of a separate ‘Garoland’.
The Chief Minister pointed out that the Government should be receptive to any proposal from any outfit to take part in peace process.
The Central and the State Governments are currently under peace settlement with militant outfit ANVC and its splinter group ANVC-B.
Recently, the ANVC-B had also asked the GNLA C-in-C to join the peace process but the latter had outrightly rejected the offer stating that his outfit can hold talks directly with the Central Government.
The GNLA is responsible for the killing and abduction of hundreds of people and armed forces personnel in the State.
Recently, a three-hour gunfight between security forces and Garo rebels ended after a GNLA commander was killed.