By Our Reporter
Williamnagar: As the armed struggle of the proscribed Garo militant outfit GNLA against the State continues, Williamnagar remains the worst affected place for a few years now.
A visit to the town reveals a grim picture with the common man badly hit by the sequence of events over the years.
Several people who spoke to The Shillong Times on condition of anonymity said that despite the efforts of the State Police and Central forces, the situation in Williamnagar has been deteriorating steadily due to the growing activities of the banned outfit in the area.
Even the small shopkeepers in the town have to pay a fixed “hafta” (Protection/extortion money) to the GNLA every month. The illegal activities of GNLA is also taking its toll on implementation of government schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) aimed at uplifting the economic condition of the rural people.
Sources on condition of anonymity said that the movement of Block Development Officers along with other such officials are restricted in the district. Many of the officers have been served with extortion notes and hence there is fear to venture into the interior areas of the district. This in turn restricts inspection and taking feedback from the people on the implementation of the schemes.
Sources informed that even though police are doing a good job in containing militancy in the area, a political strategy has to be chalked out to tackle the menace for good. “Either they (the GNLA) should be invited for talks or dealt with utmost ruthlessness,” sources opined.
According to reports, GNLA chief Sohan Shira has logistical advantage at his disposal. He can avail cellular connectivity at the top of Durrama Hills in West Garo Hills and he also enjoys the support of local villagers owing to which he has been able to give a slip to police during several raids conducted in the area.