SHILLONG: Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma has denied having links with ANVC (B) and termed the allegation made by the outfit’s political secretary against him as malicious and distasteful.
“The subsequent development following the allegation is demonstrative of a deep rooted conspiracy to malign the image of the Chief Minister and to create confusion in the minds of the people,” Dr Sangma said while addressing newspersons here on Tuesday.
He said the fact that the ANVC (B) had, the following day, refuted the allegation and informed that the political secretary of the outfit had deserted the organisation indicating that he had a pre-determined malafide intent to malign the image of the Chief Minister.
“It also indicates that some vested interests who have hatched a political conspiracy have penetrated the ANVC (B) to further their political ploy and conspiracy against the Chief Minister and my Government,” the Chief Minister said.
He also said that each time the issue of politician-militant nexus has been raised, he has always maintained that he did not rule out the possibilities of such nexus.
“But in the absence of any evidence to substantiate those allegations, we cannot legally proceed with such allegation,” Dr Sangma said.
The Chief Minister also said that the decision of the Government to extend the term of the GHADC to enable the completion of the peace process is demonstration of its commitment and strong political will.
“It is an important period for the people of the State in general and Garo Hills in particular for pursuing the objective of bringing sustained peace for progress and growth of the State as a whole by completing the peace process,” he added.
Reacting to the statement of the UDP, the Chief Minister said that he would advise the UDP not to waste their time.
Dr Sangma said he is one amongst the few politicians who does not keep any link with any militant outfit. It is known to everybody; it is known to the people of Garo Hills and to the Government of India and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA),” Dr Sangma said.
He said that he is aware that the UDP wants to lead a delegation to the President and Prime Minister.
“It would have better if they met the Home Minister and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials since they have their own mechanism of finding out which politician has a nexus with militants,” the Chief Minister said.
Dr Sangma however did not make any mention if he would constitute an inquiry into the alleged nexus between militants and politicians in the State.
UDP questions role of officer: Meanwhile, UDP has questioned why an officer has to take the burden of explaining on the alleged nexus between the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma and the ANVC-B militants.
After the allegations of nexus between the Chief Minister and the ANVC-B militants surfaced, the Commission and Secretary in charge Home had on Monday defended the Chief Minister and also the draft peace pact with the ANVC, ANVC-B militants.
“We do not understand why the officer has to clarify on behalf of the Chief Minister and take up responsibility”, UDP leader AF Dkhar said on Tuesday.
The UDP leader also wanted to know how can lasting peace be achieved when there are other militant groups in Garo Hills which are kept out of the peace process.