Probe demanded into politico-militant nexus

MPF seeks Guv intervention on State situation

 

SHILLONG: The Meg-halaya People’s Front (MPF) has sought Governor Dr K K Paul’s intervention on the deteriorating law and order situation in the State, even as demanded for a probe into the nexus between politicians of the ruling coalition and the insurgents.

Leader of Opposition Dr Donkupar Roy, who led the delegation of MPF– a combination of United Democratic Party (UDP), National People’s Party (NPP), Garo National Council (GNC) besides two Independent legislators — also submitted a memorandum to Dr Paul on Monday.

Speaking to media persons after the meeting, the MPF Secretary James Sangma said that the prevailing situation in the State and Garo Hills in particular warrants an immediate intervention of the Governor.

“It is very apparent that the State Government has failed in handling the situation in Khasi-Jaintia Hills and tackling insurgency in Garo Hills. We genuinely fear that this situation has the potential to go out of control leading to a total breakdown of law and order,” Sangma, who is also an NPP MLA, said. Commenting on the law and order situation in Khasi-Jaintia Hills, the MPF spokesperson Paul Lyngdoh lamented the failure of the state government to invite the agitating pro-ILP pressure groups for talks.

“It is one of the longest agitations in the recent times in the state where there is no sign of breakthrough due to the indifferent attitude of the government,” he said.

“Common people are sandwiched between the government and the pressure groups, the law and order situation has affected the state’s economy and education,” he said.

Taking a dig at the Chief Minister, the UDP legislator said, “The Chief Minister remains out of station delegating responsibilities to nobody. There is no one to take charge in his absence.”

Stating that situation in the Khasi – Jaintia Hills sector is bad, the MPF memorandum said that the entire state has been experiencing a series of shutdowns, night road blockades and picketing of offices since September 2, after the breakdown of talks between the government and agitating groups on the ILP issue.

“All this has led to an enormous and irrecoverable financial loss to the state and more importantly the loss of two innocent lives,” the MPF leaders said.