GNLA gives 3-day ultimatum to Govt
TURA: The banned Garo outfit Garo National Liberation Army (GNLA) has threatened to disrupt the poll campaigns of the Congress in Garo Hills and unleash terror on party workers unless the State Government clarifies its position on the proposed peace talks within three days.
The warning couldn’t have come at a worse time given that campaigning is already at its peak for the April 9 elections for the Tura and Shillong Lok Sabha seats.
GNLA political secretary Bikdot Nikjang Marak issued a statement to the media on Thursday questioning the two different statements doing the rounds on its offer of talks.
The outfit pointed out that Chief Minister Dr. Mukul Sangma had recently stated in the media that his government had recommended the names of three mediators to the centre for approval while a top
Central government official from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Shambu Singh, had denied having any knowledge of such a move.
“Who is making irresponsible statement then? He must be either Mukul or Shambu. GNLA needs clarification on whether there was any communication gap between the two responsible persons,” said the GNLA political affairs secretary.
The armed organization has issued a stern warning asking the Congress to halt its election campaign until the Chief Minister makes a clarification on the issue.
“There shall be no meetings or campaigning within Garo Hills, nobody shall carry posters, banners, symbols of INC till the CM, Mukul Sangma, makes clarifications,” warned the GNLA and added that orders have been issued to its area commanders to shoot the legs, with three bullets, of anyone violating its circular.
It also hit out at Meghalaya Governor, Dr. K.K. Paul, accusing him of not being true to his offer of peace talks.
“Dr. K.K. Paul invited GNLA for talk and left his mission halfway. He seems to be a mere rubber stamp, a puppet in the hands of Mukul, living shadow in the government of Meghalaya. He is ceremonial figure simply reciting the lyrics written by Mukul,” the outfit leader said.