SHILLONG: Garo Hills continues to remain one of the most underdeveloped regions in the State, all thanks to the spate of insurgency-related activities, Social Welfare Minister and legislator from Garo Hills, Deborah C Marak, said on Saturday.
Speaking to a group of journalists, the Minister said, “Not only Williamnagar, but the development of the whole of Garo Hills is getting affected.”
According to the Williamnagar legislator, Government officers and BDOs are unwilling to go to interior areas to conduct surveys and other developmental works due to the threat from militants.
She added that the urban areas have, somehow, managed to get development works but it is the rural and far flung areas which is suffering the most due to the unabated activities of militants.
The region is home to several insurgent groups, who are actively involved in extortion and rampant killings. Scores of people – both civilians and security personnel – have fallen victims to the bullets of militants. Besides, Government officials, traders and even politicians have been served demand notes, pushing the region backwards, as far as development is concerned.
Activities of the militant groups, especially the GNLA, is also taking a heavy toll on implementation of Central schemes such as MGNREGS, IAY and PMGSY, among others, which are aimed at uplifting the economic condition of the rural populace.