GNLA leadership should accept Govt’s talks offer: Governor
SHILLONG: The State Government has created a channel to bring proscribed GNLA to the negotiating table.
While Governor Dr KK Paul announced during his Republic Day speech that the Government has offered the path of dialogue to GNLA, the Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma on Monday went further ahead saying that an exercise is on to bring the outfit for talks.
“The Government has offered the path of dialogue to GNLA. I urge upon the leadership of GNLA to consider this seriously. It is the most opportune time to restore peace and normalcy in the Garo Hills, which the people of the region are entitled to. Violence only results in all round misery,” Governor had said on Sunday while delivering his the Republic Day speech in Shillong. “A mechanism is being adopted and this must suffice to help militants to come for dialogue,” the Chief Minister said while refusing to reveal more about the initiative.
Meanwhile, Governor said that the increased activities of the GNLA and the rise of other splinter militant groups in Garo Hills has been a matter of concern, and the Government is committed to deal with this situation, firmly.
“The Government is keen and determined to restore peace in the Garo Hills where insurgency has caused immense hardship to the common people. The settlement with ANVC has reached the final stages of approval by the Central Government,” Dr Paul said. He further said that the State Government is keen on getting this done before the next elections to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council. “It is with this intent that the term of the present Council has been extended by six months. Given the sincere intent on the part of the Government, it is expected that the leadership of ANVC will maintain peace and impress upon its cadres and factions to refrain from resorting to any unlawful activities,” Dr Paul said.
